West Ham United and their technical director, Tim Steidten, are already mapping out future transfer plans following a highly active summer window. One particular player has emerged as a prime target for the Hammers, indicating that the club is not done strengthening its squad just yet.
West Ham’s £120 Million Summer Spending Spree
The summer of 2024 saw West Ham embark on a significant spending spree, investing approximately £120 million in new talent. Under the guidance of new manager Julen Lopetegui, the Hammers completed a total of nine major signings before the transfer window closed on August 30. The club brought in players across various positions to bolster their squad for the upcoming 2024/2025 season.
Key arrivals included center-back Max Kilman, who made the move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville. West Ham also addressed their need for firepower up front by securing the services of German striker Niclas Füllkrug, who arrived from Werder Bremen. Brazilian wonderkid Luis Guilherme added further attacking options, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka was signed to reinforce the defensive flanks. Goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, defensive midfielder Guido Rodriguez, center-back Jean-Clair Todibo, and midfielder Carlos Soler rounded out the list of significant additions.
Notably, West Ham also completed the acquisition of young prospect Mohamadou Kante, who joined on a loan-back deal, although he will not immediately feature for the senior team. The club’s heavy investment signals their intent to compete on multiple fronts, both domestically and in European competitions. Despite the summer spending, West Ham is already planning to back Lopetegui with additional reinforcements when the January transfer window opens.
Planning Ahead for January Transfers
Even after the flurry of summer signings, West Ham is reportedly preparing to make further moves in the January window. One key area of focus is the defense, where the Hammers are keen to bring in a fourth senior center-back. This need has been heightened after both Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma secured loan deals away from the club during the summer.
The Hammers had engaged in talks with former Sheffield United defender John Egan, but the Irishman ultimately chose to join Burnley. Additionally, ex-Liverpool center-back Joel Matip was offered a chance to move to West Ham, but no agreement was reached. According to reports, West Ham is still actively considering bringing in a new center-back come January.
Another pressing need for the club is in the forward line. With veteran strikers Danny Ings and Michail Antonio expected to leave at the conclusion of the Premier League season, West Ham is likely to seek attacking reinforcements. The club’s transfer strategy is geared towards finding long-term replacements for their outgoing strikers and ensuring Lopetegui has the tools to maintain a competitive squad.
Ernest Muci on West Ham’s Radar
In addition to defensive and attacking reinforcements, West Ham has set their sights on a new playmaker, with reports linking them to Besiktas midfielder Ernest Muci. According to Turkish news outlet Aksam, the 23-year-old Albanian international is eager to leave the Turkish Süper Lig, and his preferred destination is the Premier League. West Ham is reportedly planning a January bid for Muci, who is valued at around £13 million by his current club, making him an affordable option for the Hammers.
Muci, who was once hailed as a “superb” talent by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, had a mixed campaign with Besiktas last season, scoring three goals in 13 appearances. His transfer from Legia Warsaw was initially seen as a promising move, but his time in Turkey has not quite lived up to expectations. However, a potential switch to West Ham could offer Muci a fresh start in England’s top flight, where his creative abilities might shine under Lopetegui’s system.
The Hammers, though, are not alone in their pursuit of the talented playmaker. Aston Villa, led by Unai Emery, are also monitoring Muci’s situation closely and may provide stiff competition for his signature. Both clubs are reportedly eager to secure his services, which could lead to a bidding war in the upcoming transfer window.
A Busy Season Ahead for West Ham
Despite the heavy recruitment during the summer, it is clear that West Ham is not resting on its laurels. The club’s ambitions for the 2024/2025 season go beyond just maintaining its Premier League status—they are looking to challenge for European qualification and perhaps even domestic silverware. With Lopetegui at the helm and a well-supported recruitment strategy led by Tim Steidten, the Hammers are positioning themselves as a club with big ambitions.
As January approaches, the next few months will be crucial for West Ham. The club’s ability to continue strengthening in key areas—such as defense and attack—will play a pivotal role in determining whether they can sustain their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions. With the likes of Muci potentially arriving to add creativity and depth, the Hammers’ supporters will be eager to see how their team performs in what promises to be an exciting season.
