By Anthony Onifade

25th Mar, 2023 | 12:10pm

West Ham United 22/23 signings rated - 8/10 Nayef Aguerd best signing, 4/10 stinker for Lucas Paqueta

West Ham United’s Premier League status is in serious jeopardy in the coming weeks as the club sits 18th in the league table after a disappointing campaign.

It’s been a stop-start season for David Moyes’ side who have dramatically underperformed after a rather ambitious 2022 summer transfer window where they spent a whopping £160m.

West Ham do have games in hand on their relegation rivals, and providing they do remain in the English top flight, questions will seriously need to be asked about their 2022 business.

Here at West Ham Zone, we provide ratings for each of the Irons’ signings this season.

Alphonse Areola – 6/10

Subject to interest [Mohamed Toubache-Ter, 24 January] in the January window, Areola remained at the London Stadium and has really impressed when called upon by David Moyes.

The Frenchman has managed only 18 games across all competitions so far this season, with five of them coming in the Premier League with Fabianski being preferred but since the Pole’s injury in recent weeks, the 30-year-old has stepped up to the plate.

Fabianski is unlikely to be at the London Stadium next summer, so Areola may have a proper shout at being West Ham no.1.

Emerson Palmieri – 6/10

The 28-year-old seems to have established himself as a key performer in David Moyes’ team in recent weeks, starting all of the Hammers’ games since the World Cup break, and he’s going on to register a goal and an assist in his last six games. When bought from Chelsea for £13m last summer, many of the Hammers faithful certainly expected more than he’s giving but his recent performances suggest he may be given more chances to improve.

Flynn Downes – 5/10

His 5/10 rating is by no means any fault of his own but because of the lack of opportunities he’s endured even despite Tomas Soucek’s dreadful form all season long. Moyes has been stubborn all season, and the decision to consistently keep out such a talented player in Downes has baffled many of the Hammers support. Deserves a chance to impress, or he may seek it elsewhere this summer.

Gianluca Scamacca – 5/10

Could arguably be given a much harsher score than five because of his struggles to impress despite £35.5m transfer fee, but there is no doubt that Scamacca still holds the potential and class to become a leading striker at the London Stadium if given the time to acclimatise himself and develop.

7 goals all campaign really doesn’t match up with his undoubted class, and it’s why he’s been linked with moves back to his native Italy. If the Hammers know what’s good for them, they will protect their hefty investment.

Lucas Paqueta – 4/10

Arguably the most disappointing of the lot. The Brazilian was supposed to be the difference-maker for the Hammers when he signed for a whopping £51m [Sky Sports, 29 August], but has struggled to make the impression so many expected him to. Certainly, the Premier League is tough but when you’re a regular Brazilian international and signed for over £50m, you have to hit the ground running as harsh as that may be and Paqueta simply hasn’t.

Still, unless the Hammers suffer relegation he won’t be sold. He remains a world-class talent who can change games within an instant on any given day.

Maxwel Cornet – 5/10

Struggled with injuries for much of the campaign and is only just getting back to full fitness now. With the East Londoners facing a testing and pivotal few weeks ahead, his return could feel like a new signing for the remainder of the campaign. Get him back to his Burnley levels, and the Irons have a big chance of steering clear of the drop zone.

Thilo Kehrer – 5/10

The German man has formed a decent defensive trio with the likes of Angelo Ogbonna and Nayef Aguerd at certain points this season, but out of Moyes’ tried and trusted three-man defence Kehrer is certainly the weak link. Does he have a West Ham future beyond this season? Remains to be seen but he’s certainly got to improve with a pivotal few weeks ahead.

Nayef Aguerd – 8/10

Dubbed the club’s “best signing” this season by Hammers first team coach Kevin Nolan, and indeed he is.

A £30million signing [Sky Sports, 21 June] from French Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, has enjoyed a steady first campaign in the Premier League, despite the club’s disappointing position in the league table.

Aguerd has indeed had his fair share of injuries this season, especially after his tremendous exploits at the World Cup for Morocco in Qatar, but when he’s been in the team, the 26-year-old has shown how crucial he is and can be for the club.

The Moroccan international has already attracted interest because of his impressive performances, with Liverpool reportedly interested in his services this summer. However, West Ham have a future captain in their midst and they have to do all they can to keep him even if they do suffer relegation.

Danny Ings – N/A

Can’t really be given a definitive rating since he only joined in January, but Ings will be desperate to build on his two goals from seven games so far this campaign. He is the Hammers best chance of survival because of his goalscoring quality at the highest level.