The January transfer window is poised to be a pivotal moment for West Ham United. Under the guidance of head coach Julen Lopetegui, the club experienced what many considered a successful summer transfer period, adding nine new players to their roster at the London Stadium. However, glaring weaknesses remain evident, particularly in the absence of a young, agile center-forward and a dynamic, powerful central midfielder—oversights that have become increasingly apparent.
As the January window approaches, it’s imperative that both Lopetegui and director of football Tim Steidten address these critical gaps in the squad. Reports suggest that the board is willing to give Lopetegui additional time to demonstrate his capability, potentially offering him a couple more months to solidify his strategies and results. While bringing in at least two new players is essential, it is equally important for Lopetegui to consider offloading some existing squad members.
In the last transfer window, West Ham offloaded 12 players through various means, including permanent transfers, loans, and free transfers. However, there remain several individuals whose departure could benefit the team. Among those likely to leave is right-back Vladimir Coufal, who is reportedly drawing interest from Galatasaray. According to Turkish outlet A Spor, the Istanbul club is optimistic about securing Coufal’s services this winter. They had previously attempted to sign him over the summer but fell short of meeting West Ham’s £6 million asking price for the seasoned 32-year-old.
While Coufal has been a reliable and professional figure for the Hammers, his impact on the pitch appears to have diminished. Over his 161 appearances for the club, he has yet to score a goal but has contributed with 20 assists. Nevertheless, he now finds himself trailing behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the right-back hierarchy, making it increasingly unlikely for him to reclaim his position.
Given these circumstances, if West Ham receives a reasonable offer for Coufal during the January transfer window, it would be prudent to consider selling him without hesitation. As the club looks to strengthen its squad and rectify previous mistakes, moving on from players who are no longer at their peak could create opportunities for new talent and reinvigorate the team’s performance in the second half of the season. The upcoming transfer window is not just about bringing in new players; it is also about making strategic decisions that align with the club’s long-term vision.