Written by : @JGriffithJourno

West Ham United have spent 40 million pounds on a player for the second time in as many years. Even now, that still seems a strange sentence to write. But fair play to Gold and Sullivan, who have finally realised that spending money is a part of club ownership. However, whilst the acquisition of Sebastien Haller is extremely exciting, our transfer budget has seemingly been left empty and it seems our squad is just as depleted going into the new season.

At the time of writing, just over two weeks of the transfer window remain. And if West Ham are serious about making a push for Europe this season, they better get a move on. Our squad is nowhere near deep enough to challenge the top 6, despite Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all looking weaker than ever. Worse than this however, is the fact that we may even struggle to make the top 10. On paper, our first choice XI is one of the best in the league and arguably the best outside of the top 6 (with Leicester maybe just edging us out for that title.) But as far as depth goes, we are lacking in almost every position.

Before going on a moaning marathon, let’s start with a positive. Fans should be happy with the arrival of Roberto, who has looked good enough as a backup in pre-season and is certainly an upgrade on the eccentric Adrian. David Martin should provide adequate competition, too.

At right back, Fredericks is just about good enough to start – although his game is far from refined. Pablo Zabaleta is fine as a back-up, but his fitness is very much shot to bits and he cannot be called upon as regularly as he was last year. Djibril Sidibe of Monaco is supposedly available for under 15 million and he would be a brilliant addition for now and the future.

In central defence we have major issues when it comes to reserves. Do we really have to put up with another year of Ogbonna’s half-assed approach to defending? Hopefully not. And entrusting Reid with being fourth choice is a major risk given his injury woes. The fact we haven’t targeted another centre back is very worrying.

Aaron Cresswell has simply not been good enough. Left back should have been a priority for Pellegrini and the fact it hasn’t been is genuinely baffling. Either a starter or a back up to Masuaku was required but neither will happen. Here’s to hoping Ben Johnson is as promising as he looks!

Pedro Obiang is gone, which means we will no doubt hear ‘number 15, Carlos Sanchez’ blare out through the PA this season making every single Hammer in the stadium collectively groan in pain and fear. He isn’t good enough. Honestly, Gary Medel on a free would be fantastic business given that Sanchez is the best we have at current. Fingers crossed Rice doesn’t get injured, hey?

As for central midfield and the wings, for once we are actually well equipped! With Wilshere, Fornals, Lanzini and Anderson the likely starters, we are left with a very strong bench; Noble, Snodgrass, Yarmolenko, Antonio. This is the levels of depth our whole squad should have, and yet we are weak in too many positions.

Haller is a top-class striker and everybody is allowed to get excited. Chicharito struggles playing on his own up front, but he is still a useful second option. But beyond these two, we have nothing. Antonio works hard up front, but he isn’t exactly a viable striking option for a side aiming for Europe, due to his inconsistent finishing. A third-choice striker would actually put fans at ease with our other shortcomings. Balotelli is available on a free and so is another party animal, what’s his name again? Andy something?

If our business is actually finished for the summer, do not expect a fantastic season as you will be disappointed. Haller and Fornals are brilliant additions, but we do need to improve the squad further. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a couple of loans arrive before the window closes, but right now our squad is not deep enough to challenge the top 6. However, let’s remember Hussilos is a genius and could just pull the rabbit out the hat again…!