Sky reporter reveals West Ham budget and key target areas for January window
West Ham are facing one of the most important transfer windows in the club’s recent history.
The Hammers are just one point above the drop zone after a disastrous first half of the season, and they have been forced into rehiring former boss David Moyes in a desperate attempt to drag them away from danger.
As such, they now face a decision on whether to trust in the Scot’s ability to get the best out of the players already at his disposal, or to back him in the market and hope that he can bring in the bodies to solve their problems.
And it would appear that their plan lies somewhere between the two, with a limited budget available to Moyes and a couple of key areas set to be targeted, as per Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.
Writing in a piece for the outlet, the journalist said: “The Hammers have two key targets during the January window and are seeking a strong, physical, box-to-box midfielder – and they have between £6m and £12m to spend.
“They are also looking to sign a goalkeeper: Lukasz Fabianski is on his way back from long-term injury and they have been reluctant to put Roberto back in the starting XI after a dreadful seven-game run in the Premier League. Again, their budget for this position is between £6m and £12m.
“As with most clubs, they are also open to signing another centre-forward, with Sebastian Haller yet to make make his real mark and fellow summer signing Albian Ajeti struggling to get in the team.”
That all seems fair enough, but you would have to question the quality of player they’re going to be able to get in for that kind of money.
You might be able to snag a good backup goalkeeper on the cheap, granted, but other than that, you’d imagine the club are going to struggle.
After all, where can you get a top quality defensive midfielder for around £10 million? Perhaps in a lesser continental league, maybe, but even then you’d be taking a gamble for sure.
And the same can be said of trying to sign a centre forward too.
Backup is needed, that much is true, but it’s hard to see there being a great deal of funding available, and if that is the case then you’re going to struggle to pick a winner out of the bargain bin.
Another frustrating window surely awaits.
In other news, Athletic journo: This is what WC winner’s agent told me about potential West Ham move.