Written by:@JGriffithJourno

Our season looks to be over already as we settle for mid-table once again. However, signs of progress have been made, the transfer window is just around the corner, and it looks to be another busy one for Pellegrini and his scouting team. Whilst Mario Husillos, our director of football, has pointed out he wants to take risks on some younger players from other leagues, looking at some of the players from relegated sides could be a safe bet too. Our squad deficiencies lie mainly in defence, with starting full-backs and reserve centre-backs needed for sure. Central midfield is also a problem issue and with Carroll, Arnautovic, Perez and Hernandez all set to leave, strikers are a necessity. So here are a few players from Huddersfield and Fulham who could be prove to be very shrewd signings, which is a phrase that has not been used in tandem with West Ham too frequently in recent years.

Huddersfield:

Aaron Mooy – Perhaps the most obvious choice from either of the sides. Mooy was Huddersfield’s standout star in their impressive first campaign. He is a leader in the middle but also possesses good passing ability and a seemingly never-ending fuel tank. Mooy would be an upgrade on Sanchez, Obiang, and even Noble – and could prove to be a very useful squad player next season.

Terrence Kongolo – Although Angelo Ogbonna has improved slightly after having a run of games in the team, there is always the fear he will lose concentration once or twice every game. Which isn’t ideal for a centre half! Kongolo would be a solid backup option for either Diop or Balbuena as he is powerful, yet composed in possession, playing the ball short in a Huddersfield side more used to going long. The four-time Dutch international can also deputise at left-back, an area that we need to strengthen in.

Fulham:

Tom Cairney – If we are going for Huddersfield’s captain, we might as well go for Fulham’s too! Cairney has struggled in the Premier League this season, but this is in the most part down to Ranieri’s strange tactical choice of playing the Scotsman out wide. Cairney is an excellent passer, with the tenacity and desire to thrive in central midfield. Capable of playing behind a striker, given his impressive shooting ability, or deeper as part of a midfield trio Cairney fits into Pellegrini’s system perfectly and could be a better asset to have than the constantly injured Jack Wilshere (remember him?)

Joe Bryan – Speed and strength, two traits that Aaron Cresswell is currently lacking in defensive. A defensive brain, something that Arthur Masuaku struggles with. Our left-backs lack the skills to be top class, yet Joe Bryan possesses all of these abilities. A strong tackler with the speed to recover, Bryan could be a solid full-back and at the age of 25 he has plenty of time to improve too. Yes, Fulham have the worst defensive record in Europe, but that isn’t really Bryan’s fault. I mean, theres only so much he can do given the fact he is playing next to the king of calamitous defending himself; Havard Nordtveit!

Aleksander Mitrovic – This should be a no brainer for our board. Mitrovic is ridiculously strong, a colossus in the air and most importantly, a ruthless finisher. To hit 10 goals in such a poor Fulham side is very impressive. The only issue is, while the other four options suggested would be very cheap, Mitrovic cost Fulham £25 million – so they would be looking to turn a profit on their second biggest asset (Sessegnon is the biggest, but we have no chance of getting him with the big clubs sniffing around, hence his absence from the list). With all four of our strikers potentially leaving in the summer, Mitrovic could be a good place to start when rebuilding our frontline.

One relegation spot is still vacant however, so here is a bonus of players we could look at taking from each of the clubs near the dreaded drop-zone.

Cardiff:

Victor Camarasa – Not actually a Cardiff player, however he has been a shining light in a poor side. The Spanish midfielder could be another addition to bolster our currently very weak midfield for next season.

Brighton:

Lewis Dunk/Shane Duffy – The two are identical. Both six-foot-four towering centre backs who win everything in the air and keep it simple in defence. Their resolute style could be a nice change to the eccentricity of Diop and Ogbonna and would happily take both or either one, given Winston Reid’s imminent exit.

Burnley:

Chris Wood – See the reasoning for Mitrovic and just apply it here. Wood has torn us apart in the past and so let’s just sign him for that reason! His talent is clear and would provide a great option when chasing a game, just like a fit Andy Carroll would (although – wait, who is he again?)

So, there are a few players we should be looking at. A right-back is needed, but none of the sides have any real quality in that position. However, all of these players are in their prime and have shown signs of quality in the Premier League. They are risk free and cheap. But we are West Ham, so a 16-year-old nobody from Argentina is probably flying into Gatwick as you read this!

Have I missed anyone you would sign? Let me know @JGriffithJourno

 

(Editors note: this article was written before Burnley made it ‘all but safe’ after their excellent turn at Chelsea. If Cardiff do pull it out of the bag and improve their goal difference by 18 goals, Wood is back on the table.)