Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has claimed that West Ham ‘need’ to make four signings in the summer transfer window.
This comes after Irons’ boss David Moyes admitted that changes were in the offing at the end of the season within the squad.
Despite still holding an outside chance of making the Premier League tour four, it seems likely that the Hammers may have to settle for Europa League qualification next term.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan urged the club to add four new faces to the ranks.
They need to get another four in, in my opinion. It depends on how much money is available. If they’re on the fringes or if they haven’t made the Champions League, but they are in Europe, still, they still need to go and get at least three or four players, in my opinion, to strengthen that squad to contend. Like most of the clubs that are fighting for that fourth spot, their summer transfer window depends on where they finish and what category of player you can bring into the club. If you’re in the Champions League spots, you get a category A. That’s where the bigger players and the better players want to be playing. They want to be fighting in these competitions on a Tuesday, Wednesday night.
Whelan went on to suggest that Moyes may target players that ‘aren’t in favour’ at their current clubs in order to ‘reignite’ a career in east London.
In the meantime, Moyes faces a huge selection dilemma ahead of the second leg clash with Sevilla following the premature substitutions of Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio against Aston Villa.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Just exactly where West Ham can do their shopping this summer may well depend on their European status.
Whilst Moyes has preferred to recruit from lower leagues in previous windows, Champions League qualification would surely see the Scot go a little ‘up market’.
Where we can all agree is the need to strengthen the ranks, particularly in the central defensive and striker department.
