The Athletic reporter Roshane Thomas has recently made a claim regarding a “priority” for West Ham United in the current transfer window.
So far this window, the Hammers have only sealed the permanent arrival of one player and that was Tomas Soucek from Slavia Prague (per Transfermarkt).
The Czech Republic midfielder was signed in July on a four-year deal and the Irons stumped up €21m (£19.1m) to seal his arrival after he initially signed on loan in January (per BBC).
Since then, though, there has been no movement in terms of incoming transfers and West Ham have lost their first two Premier League games of the season.
So, in the latest episode of The Athletic’s U Irons podcast, Thomas made a claim regarding which kind of players David Moyes is targeting before the end of the window.
He said: “If Moyes plans on sticking with this system, he’s definitely looking at ball-carrying defenders, players who could possibly play [as] wing-backs – left wing-back [and] right wing-back as well.
“So, that still remains the priority for Moyes, in terms of recruitment.”
TIF Thoughts…
So, seemingly, Moyes is primarily looking at signing players which will strengthen the defensive area of the side.
The journalist seems to be basing his claim regarding ball-carrying defenders and wing-backs on the fact that the Hammers played a 5-4-1 formation in the recent 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
Which area of the squad does David Moyes need to strengthen in the most?
Goalkeeper
Defence
Midfield
Attack
In their first-team squad, West Ham only have four out-and-out central defenders, one of which is 19-year-old Gonçalo Cardoso (per Transfermarkt).
So, if Moyes is planning on continuing to play a formation which has three centre-backs, then it seems a sensible suggestion for the Irons to bolster their options in that position.