WHZ View: Was the January transfer window a good one for West Ham?
There have been a number of faces entering and exiting the doors of West Ham over the course of the January transfer window.
After 22 matches played, David Moyes’ side are sat fifth in the Premier League table on a healthy-looking 35 points.
This window was a fantastic opportunity to add some depth to the squad, as we look to push on for a top-seven finish and qualify for Europe.
So let’s look at the ins and outs and see if real progression was made.
So long Seb
During the January transfer window, West Ham decided to cut their losses on record signing Sebastian Haller.
The Ivorian definitely divided opinion. Goals this season against Sheffield United and Crystal Palace demonstrate his clear quality, but it just didn’t work for him in east London.
It’s been clear since the Boss’ returned that the striker wasn’t right for his system. He was sold for £20m, less than half of what we paid for him 18 months ago.
Upon his departure, Moyes said he intended to replace Haller by signing a new striker before the end of the window.
Despite being linked to every striker in world football, we’re still waiting on that one.
Youngster Oladapo Afolayan was allowed to leave on deadline day. He joins League One side, Bolton, on loan until the summer.
Whilst yes, this is a good move for the youngster, it leaves us with just Michail Antonio as a recognised out and out striker in the first team.
He’s been very unlucky with injuries in the past. If the worst were to happen again we’d be bang in trouble in the striking department.
Reid, the last ever goalscorer at the Boleyn, moves to Brentford on loan. He hasn’t featured for the Hammers since March 2018. Most recently having a stint in the MLS with Sporting Kansas.
Lingard on loan
We welcomed to the club England international playmaker Jesse Lingard. This is a very promising loan deal and a statement of intent, he’s a player of high pedigree.
He joins having been starved of minutes this season, looking to force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s plans for the European Championships.
Moyes’ starting XI picks itself these days. One position interchangeable seems to be that number ten role behind Antonio.
Benrahma and Fornals have swapped between there and left-wing. With Lingard’s arrival, it looks as though he can slot in there with Benrahma moving wide. This signing definitely improves the side.
Speaking of Benrahma, we made his loan deal permanent for £20m. He was due to sign at the end of the season anyway, but with Lingard coming in we had make this move to stay in line with the FA rules on loan players.
Whilst yes it is positive to have him sign a five-year deal, this is one that we knew was coming anyway.
Up to old tricks
Admittedly, last January the board put their hand in their pockets and singed players that were crucial to our survival. That said, this has been a disappointing window overall for the club.
With us sat in a fantastic position at the beginning of February the board have failed to really strengthen the side. It seems they are happy knowing we’re safe for another season.
Selling our record singing for under half what we paid, whilst failing to even bring in a striker on loan is vintage Gold and Sullivan.
We’re now one Antonio injury away from undoing all of our fantastic work this season, and could slip down the table rapidly if he were to pull up.
Hardly the ‘next level’ we were promised when we moved stadiums, is it?
In other West Ham news, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville heaps praise on Tomas Soucek.