The Athletic’s West Ham United correspondent Roshane Thomas has aired what the Hammers’ “priority” will be during the January transfer window.
In the summer transfer window, the Irons forked out £23.94m and sealed the arrival of four players, two permanently and two on loan (per Transfermarkt).
From Slavia Prague, David Moyes strengthened his squad in defensive midfield with Tomas Soucek on a permanent deal and at right-back with Vladimir Coufal.
Then, from the Championship, left-wing was strengthened with the signing of Said Benrahma and centre-back was, too, with the arrival of Craig Dawson.
During the latest episode of The Athletic’s U Irons podcast, Thomas aired what he believed would be Moyes’ “priority” during the winter transfer window. (19:23)
He said: “I reckon the priority for West Ham in January, should we sign someone, will be a central midfielder and a striker. I feel like they’re the two areas we strengthen.
“[We need] a backup for [Declan] Rice and Soucek and a striker who could perhaps play on the flanks or [a] central role. An obvious [name] I can think of is Josh King, it’s just a name that refuses to go away.
“The thing is, I reckon in January, there’ll be more outgoings than incomings.”
TIF Thoughts on what Roshane Thomas said was West Ham’s transfer “priority”…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, he believes that a defensive midfielder and a forward would be the key areas for West Ham to recruit in during January.
Where do West Ham need to recruit the most in January?
Goalkeeper
Defence
Midfield
Attack
Looking at West Ham’s squad, both suggestions from Thomas would seem like sensible ones, however, there are other positions which the Irons are lacking in.
In defensive midfield, while three players can play there, only two are out-and-out defensive midfielders – Rice and Soucek – so, a backup may be useful.
With only two natural strikers and one left-winger, a player which can provide depth in both positions would be a shrewd move.
With only four out-and-out centre-backs in the squad and West Ham currently playing three/five-back formations more often than not, perhaps some cover in defence may also be a good idea.
However, only time will tell what Moyes will actually end up doing in January.