West Ham have three important transfer situations to resolve before their Championship campaign begins away at Burnley on Sunday, 16 August.
Nuno Espírito Santo has already lost Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville this summer. Further departures remain possible, while the squad still requires greater depth in attack before the 46-game league season begins. West Ham’s opening match at Turf Moor kicks off at 4pm BST.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s West Ham future
West Ham first need clarity over Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The right-back remains under contract until 2031, leaving the club in a strong negotiating position. Arsenal have reportedly monitored his situation, while Lazio have already seen a low proposal rejected.
West Ham are understood to value Wan-Bissaka at around £25million. Football365 reported that Arsenal would need to meet that figure to bring West Ham into serious negotiations.
Selling him would raise further money for Nuno’s rebuild, with Kyle Walker-Peters capable of playing at right-back. However, Wan-Bissaka’s defensive quality and experience would be difficult to replace before the opening weekend.
West Ham should either retain him for the promotion campaign or set a firm timeframe for interested clubs to meet their valuation. Allowing uncertainty to continue beyond the start of the season would leave Nuno planning around a player who could still depart.
Sorba Thomas could replace Summerville
The left wing has become a clear recruitment priority following Summerville’s move to Al-Hilal.
Sorba Thomas has emerged as one of West Ham’s leading options. Stoke City reportedly want more than £10million for the Wales international, with the Hammers believed to be prepared to meet their valuation.
Thomas scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists in the Championship last season. He already understands the demands of the division and would offer the direct running, crossing and set-piece delivery currently missing from Nuno’s squad.
ReadWestHam argued on Tuesday that West Ham should move for Thomas as part of their attempt to rebuild the left side.
Completing the deal before the Burnley match would give Thomas time to train with his new team-mates and understand Nuno’s requirements. The longer West Ham wait, the greater the risk that Stoke’s position strengthens or another club enters the race.
West Ham need another centre-forward
West Ham must also decide whether to make a serious move for Haji Wright.
The United States international helped Coventry City secure promotion last season and has experience leading the line in the Championship. VAVEL reports that West Ham are interested in signing Wright, although no formal offer has been confirmed.
Coventry are preparing for Premier League football and would have little incentive to sell an important forward cheaply. West Ham would therefore need to establish quickly whether a realistic agreement is possible.
Taty Castellanos remains the leading senior option, but his future has also attracted speculation. Pablo can operate through the middle, although he has regularly been used behind the main striker during pre-season.
ReadWestHam’s analysis of the Rangers draw identified centre-forward as one of four positions requiring attention. Nuno cannot afford to begin a promotion campaign without reliable competition up front.
Not every transfer needs to be completed by 16 August. However, West Ham must know who is staying and which positions will still require investment once the Championship season begins.
