Credit: Imago

Dan Godfrey

Sun 9 March 2025 8:46, UK

West Ham United enjoyed a high-profile spending spree last summer to mixed effect, and as a result have to be more careful this time around.

It does make matters slightly more difficult for Graham Potter, who is expected to mould a squad capable of challenging to a much higher standard than that of his predecessor Julen Lopetegui.

One key area the Hammers want to recruit towards is the defence, and one particular target would mean having to dispense with an established first-team star.

Mavropanos could leave to make way for new signing

West Ham must toe the line of PSR following a net spend total exceeding £85million last summer, with the Irons sat a measly 16th in the Premier League table and out of the cups.

However, there is a need to strengthen the squad felt among the hierarchy and according to page 70 of the Sunday Mirror (9 March), 22-year-old Belgian defender Koni de Winter is high on their radar.

The former Juventus man, now at Genoa having debuted for Belgium’s senior side last year, is a target for fellow Italian clubs as well as the Hammers – and Juve also boast a 20 per cent release clause on his next move.

A versatile defender capable of operating across the backline as well as further on in midfield, de Winter is a player who naturally appeals to Potter – but it would mean dispensing with a current defender, likely to be Konstantinos Mavropanos.

The 27-year-old Greek has considerable top-flight experience in England and wider Europe plus international pedigree, plus a contract until 2028, making his prospective sale a potentially lucrative one.

West Ham could advance new-look defence

West Ham made considerable changes to their defensive line-up last summer, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman among those to arrive.

It has been a mixed bag, however, under Potter and especially Lopetegui from a goal-concession point of view – though things are looking brighter with two clean sheets in the last two Premier League games for the Irons.

The Irons must pay Todibo’s transfer fee to Ligue 1 side Nice this summer of around £34million, certainly a hit in the pocket considering the Frenchman’s sketchy injury record at West Ham and inconsistent performances as he adapts to English football.

Aaron Cresswell has rekindled his West Ham career of late but the veteran – having now surpassed 300 Premier League appearances – is out of contract in June and can leave for nothing; Vladimir Coufal also looks to be nearing the end of his East London days.

West Ham consequently have to be very savvy with their recruitment to remain within their financial boundaries, with departures a certainty before a move for a player like de Winter can be sanctioned.