Calvert-Lewin and Ramsey start – How West Ham United could line up v Sunderland
West Ham United will kick off their season with a trip to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland, at which point their starting line-up could look a lot different.
After a poor season last term, Graham Potter should feel as though his side have a fairly nice start to the new campaign against a newly promoted side.
However, the pressure could soon be on the Englishman if his side doesn’t get off to the ideal start.
There is plenty of work to be done this summer, but with limited resources, Potter will have to prioritise when it comes to his line-up for next season.
West Ham to secure Aaron Ramsdale
Recruiting a new goalkeeper is key for West Ham this summer.
After letting go of Lukasz Fabianski at the end of his contract, Potter is left just with Alphonse Areola between the sticks.
However, at 32 years old and on the back of a tough season, it seems as though Potter is keen to upgrade and Ramsdale has been linked with a move to East London after Southampton’s relegation to the Championship.
With limited resources due to PSR restraints, Potter will have to be selective in his upgrades and therefore, we could see Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos line up in defence.
All three picked up fairly regular minutes last season and Todibo particularly lifted his levels in the final run of the campaign, while Kilman stood out for much of the term.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was a star for the Irons last season, winning the Player of the Season award, and is likely to feature as a wing-back with the potential of Ollie Scarles on the other side.
Scarles stepped up to the first team under Potter, and if he can work his magic over the pre-season, the youngster could well establish himself in the side next season.
West Ham boost midfield options
The midfield could then be completed with Josh Brownhill and Jacob Ramsey.
Brownhill has been linked with a move to the London Stadium, and if he does not extend his deal with Burnley, he would be available on a free transfer, which would be ideal for Potter’s side.
Ramsey has also been linked with a move after making 29 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa last term and he could be available on a cut-price deal for West Ham to secure.
Jarrod Bowen continues to have plenty of admirers, but he is the last person that West Ham will want to let go of this summer.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2024/25 | 33 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | 31 | 4 | 6 |
| 2022/23 | 28 | 4 | 3 |
The future of Lucas Paqueta is still up in the air as he waits to hear the outcome of his FA investigation. Should he be cleared, there is plenty of quality there and a player who will be eager to bounce back and prove himself once more.
Finally, it has been reported that talks are underway to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer.
The striker is another free transfer after his contract with Everton has come to an end.
It could be a bit of a risk given his recent injury issues, but he is another who will be eager to get back to his best.
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