West Ham United transfer plans change as Lucas Paqueta ‘setback’ emerges
West Ham United have changed their plans for the January transfer window after being struck by a major injury blow, according to Jack Rosser.
Writing on his personal Twitter account (10 January), The Sun’s journalist reports that influential stars Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen are both set for a spell on the sidelines while Michail Antonio has also suffered a new setback.
With Mohammed Kudus away on international duty for the African Cup of Nations too, the Hammers are now looking to make signings this month despite being close to their limits with FFP.
“West Ham January plans have changed after recent injuries,” he wrote.
“Fears Paqueta could now be out for up to two months, Bowen likely out for 2-3 weeks.
“After Antonio setback and with Kudus away, the club are looking to make signings now despite being close to the wire on FFP.”
Blow
West Ham have had a terrific season so far, and it’s largely been down to the brilliant form of Bowen, Paqueta and Kudus in attack as a front three.
But with all three players now going to be missing for January and potentially some of February too, that’s a real concern for David Moyes considering the lack of depth in those positions.
Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma are the natural replacements in the wide areas and both have been linked with an exit away from the London Stadium this month, because they’re simply not of the required level.
You then have the likes of Maxwel Cornet, Danny Ings and Divin Mubama who have struggled for game time this season and are unlikely to be able to hit the correct levels required to help the team push up the table.
It means investment is required and with potential outgoings on the cards too, hopefully that will be able to cover any issues with FFP that may occur.
In other West Ham news, Hammers want to sign 18-goal hitman dubbed as “very complete”.