- West Ham United are in the relegation zone
- Aaron Cresswell’s contract at Stoke City is set to expire
- Malick Diouf is likely to leave if the Hammers are relegated
The next two matches will have a significant impact on West Ham United’s summer transfer window recruitment strategy. The Hammers are yet to discover whether they will play in the Premier League or the Championship next season, with their upcoming fixture against Newcastle United proving vital in the outcome before the final day.
Relegation is more probable at this point; thus, the team will likely be gearing all business, in-goings and outgoings, toward Championship objectives.
West Ham’s status would make them an enticing option for numerous players in the second division, including this former Hammer, who is currently set to be out of contract.
Aaron Cresswell’s Stoke City delay could open West Ham reunion
On Thursday afternoon, Stoke City announced their annual retained list, which has been submitted to the EFL. A notable distinction on the club list was Aaron Cresswell’s impending status, whose one-year deal expires in July. Stoke state that the club are in “dialogue” with Cresswell over an extension.
Cresswell’s departure from West Ham in July 2025 allowed him to join Championship club Stoke that month after productive talks with the club’s sporting director, Jonathan Walters, and manager, Mark Robins.
The left-back spent 11 years at West Ham after arriving from Ipswich Town, and would become one of the club’s consistent performers during his time, as well as a crucial part of the club’s 2023 Conference League-winning side.
Assuming the Englishman does not choose to retire, a return to West Ham in the Championship could be ideal for both parties. 36-year-old Cresswell’s trademark delivery contributed three assists in 25 matches in the EFL regular season just gone. He operated mainly in his natural left-back role, but also showed a versatility to play as a left centre-back in a back three.
West Ham’s first-choice left-sided defender, Malick Diouf, is likely to leave if the club are relegated. It would be expected that 20-year-old Ollie Scarles steps into the full-time role. Cresswell would be an excellent addition to a West Ham team that already lacks leadership and may lose club captain Jarrod Bowen.
