West Ham board ‘agree on biggest issue’ as sources speak out on Graham Potter
West Ham United have a monumental task in their upcoming summer transfer window after a dismal season across all competitions.
Julen Lopetegui arrived and departed quickly after a nightmare few months at West Ham despite heavy spending last year.
Graham Potter has since replaced him, but the Englishman has had a slow start to life at West Ham, winning just three of his 13 games so far.
There are a lot of squad issues to iron out this summer, but West Ham are operating on a limited budget. However, their key priority has now been made clear.
West Ham board want a new striker
One of the biggest issues facing West Ham is their situation at centre-forward. Michail Antonio is out for the long-term, while summer signing Niclas Fullkrug has also missed most of the season.
West Ham signed Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton, but the youngster has hardly made an impact and looks unlikely to stay beyond the end of the season.
| Opposition | Home/away |
| Southampton | Home |
| Brighton | Away |
| Tottenham | Home |
| Man United | Away |
Speaking to Hammers News (14 April), one West Ham board member confirmed that the East London club’s priority is to sign a new striker in the summer.
“We really need a centre-forward this summer,” the West Ham source stated. “Fullkrug can’t start games at the moment as he’s still feeling something.
“He hit the woodwork again [against Liverpool]. We need to improve a bit, then we’ll start to win. They are small margins.”
What striker could West Ham target?
With West Ham’s limited budget and the lack of European football next season, they may be limited in their potential transfer options when it comes to signing a striker.
Ipswich star Liam Delap has been linked with a move, but given interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, convincing him to join may prove difficult.
Emanuel Emegha has also been linked after impressing at Strasbourg, but he may take some time to adapt, and the club may need a more proven option.
West Ham’s record when it comes to signing centre-forwards has been abysmal over the years, and fans may wonder whether signing a versatile attacker who could be moulded into a number nine is the better move this summer.