Credit: Imago

Henry Green

Sun 31 August 2025 21:00, UK

West Ham’s transfer business has been terrible so far this summer under the guidance of David Sullivan and Karren Brady.

There are still multiple gaps that need to be filled within Graham Potter’s squad if West Ham want to have any chance of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

El Hadji Malick Diouf looks to be the only bit of quality from the new signings so far, with goalkeeper Mads Hermansen failing to live up to his reputation.

Plenty of business could still be completed in the latter stages of the window, with the Hammers squad not good enough.

With that being said, West Ham Zone brings you the Irons’ best-ever deadline day signings from the past.

Carlos Tevez (2006)

Carlos Tevez is arguably the most famous and impactful deadline day signing in West Ham’s history.

While the transfer was controversial and led to a large fine for the Irons, Tevez was a statement signing as he arrived from Brazilian side Corinthians on a free transfer.

• West Ham were fined £5.5million by the Premier League for breaching rules over third-party influence in the Tevez and Javier Mascherano deals
• Sheffield United later sued, arguing Tevez’s goals kept West Ham up at their expense. West Ham eventually agreed to pay £20million in compensation
• Tevez scored seven goals and assisted four in 29 games for the Hammers

After a slow start, his sensational form in the final months of the 2006-07 season, which included seven goals in the last 10 games, single-handedly saved the Hammers from relegation on the final day of the season.

The Argentine was then sent out to Manchester United, before joining their rivals Manchester City on a permanent deal in 2009.

• Read more: Lucas Paqueta looks out of West Ham squad v Nottingham Forest as late exit talks begin

Michail Antonio (2015)

Signed from Nottingham Forest on deadline day for just £7million, Michail Antonio has had an incredible success story.

He quickly became a fan favourite, known for his relentless work rate, power, and his hilarious celebrations.

• Antonio remains West Ham’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer
• He managed 83 goals and 42 assists in 323 appearances for the Hammers

His consistent performances and vital goals have been crucial for the club over many seasons, including his key role in the team’s European campaigns.

Antonio departed West Ham in sad circumstances this summer after a car crash kept him off the football pitch for nine months.

Jarrod Bowen (2020)

While not a summer deadline day signing, Jarrod Bowen’s January deadline day arrival from Hull City has been a resounding success.

Bowen scored the winning goal in the UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2023, securing West Ham’s first major trophy in over 40 years.

• The winger joined for £22million from Championship side Hull City
• Bowen has scored 74 goals in 241 games for the Hammers

Bowen has recently come under fire for his reaction to the defeat to Wolves as he ripped his captain’s armband off.

However, the England international showed plenty of class in his response after the game, and will no doubt bounce back.

Alex Song (2014)

Alex Song joined West Ham on a season-long loan from Barcelona on deadline day in August 2014.

He had a successful first season with the club, making 31 appearances and earning praise for his performances.

Song was moving towards the latter stages of his career after impressing with Arsenal and Barcelona, but still added some much-needed experience to West Ham.

Due to his positive impact, West Ham re-signed him on another season-long loan on a subsequent deadline day in August 2015.

However, injuries ultimately hindered his impact on the Hammers, and his career ultimately faded out.

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