(Credit: Imago and Getty Images)
(Credit: Imago and Getty Images)
Match

Graham Potter couldn't be more wrong about West Ham with what he's told BBC Sport

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Graham Potter is already under pressure going into the 2025/26 campaign.

It is no secret that the Hammers were awful under the Englishman last season, with the former Chelsea boss only managing five wins in 19 matches.

Therefore, Potter could well face the sack at West Ham if the London club does not get off to a good start.

Signings are crucial to avoiding this. However, to date, the Hammers have only managed to bring in five players, including the permanent signing of Jean-Clair Todibo.

El Hadji Malick Diouf West Ham
El Hadji Malick Diouf has been one of West Ham's main signings this summer (Image: Imago)

Graham Potter doesn’t believe West Ham have to make ‘drastic changes’

Going into the new campaign, it is clear that optimism is low at the London Stadium.

West Ham could well find themselves in a relegation battle if things go poorly.

However, Potter does not seem concerned in his interview with BBC Sport on 13 August.

In one segment, he said: “I don't think we needed drastic change.”

However, the Hammers manager could not be more wrong. 

  • Potter has one of the worst Premier League win percentages of any West Ham manager
  • The manager has one just five of his 19 games in charge
  • Since then, Potter has lost Mohammed Kudus to Spurs who is yet to be replaced

Given the strength of the promoted sides and the players they are bringing in, they could easily stay up.

On top of this, Manchester United and Tottenham are extremely unlikely to be among the bottom few teams this season, which could leave West Ham in a precarious situation.

While sides like Wolves and Brentford may struggle, the Hammers are more than likely going to be in an uncomfortable situation this campaign and may find themselves looking over their shoulders.

Therefore, Potter stating that West Ham “don’t need drastic changes” is simply absurd, and only strikes more fear among the fanbase. 

Realistically, the Hammers need at least three more signings, and if the manager cannot see this, maybe he isn’t the right man for the job. 

Graham Potter
Potter could well face the sack this season (Credit: Imago)

Who do West Ham need to sign?

Going into the final weeks of the window, if West Ham are to sign anyone, they don’t have a lot of time.

A striker would have been ideal. However, it has since been reported that a striker is no longer a priority at West Ham.

A new midfielder would also be ideal, with the Hammers currently eyeing Mateus Fernandes. 

West Ham signings so far this summer
Jean-Clair Todibo
El Hadji Malick Diouf
Mads Hermansen
Kyle Walker-Peters
Callum Wilson
West Ham have signed five players so far this summer

However, with Southampton wanting over £50million for their star man, it could be difficult to get a deal done.

Nevertheless, if a striker and midfielder can be brought in before the window closes, West Ham fans may be able to look up the table with more optimism.

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Graham Potter
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