Fabrizio Romano shares David Moyes update as January transfer targeted by West Ham United
David Moyes deserves more time as West Ham manager and there is currently no change in his circumstances at the club, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The journalist said in his Daily Briefing on 8 November that he “honestly” knows of no developments but expects the club to sign a striker in the January transfer window for the Scot, with discussions on specific targets to be held in the coming weeks.
Moyes has been under growing pressure as the Premier League form has dipped, with his contract currently set to expire at the end of the season.
Romano said: “It’s been a slightly inconsistent start to the season from West Ham, and it’s led to some speculation about the future of David Moyes as manager.
“Honestly, though, I’m not aware of changes on Moyes’ situation. It’s still the same. In my opinion he deserves time and also probably some signings in January to help this squad, including one more striker as it looks important for West Ham.
“I’m not yet able to give details on specific targets for West Ham this January, but a new striker is an option for sure. It’s too early to know precisely who they will go for, or if other positions could also be strengthened, as these discussions will likely take place in the next few weeks and during December.”
Holding pattern
The season is beginning to take on a familiar look now that the fast start to the campaign has died down and it is cup performances that are providing most of the best results.
As the Hammers board found last term it is all the more difficult, although not impossible, to make a managerial change midseason.
And it seems like the London Stadium hierarchy would probably prefer to let Moyes see out the final year of his contract before leaving, and so it may be that the campaign continues for some time yet with questions surrounding his future.
That is necessarily much more awkward around the transfer window, where there are a couple of notable spots which weren’t filled in the summer, and others where the club continue to be linked to targets.
Tim Steidten’s presence, and prominence, may well make it more of a moot point that Moyes might not be around for the long-term, given the German is expected to win any power struggle over signings anway.
However, while the manager was able to lead West Ham to the Europa Conference League trophy last season the uncertainty around him didn’t do the club any favours in the Premier League, so fans, potential signings, and the squad alike might appreciate a decision sooner rather than later, one way or the other.
In other West Ham news, an update has emerged on one of the owners’ managerial “favourites” amid the Moyes speculation.