West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo, buoyed by back-to-back wins before the international break, is already plotting a crucial January transfer window to secure the club's Premier League status.
Despite those vital six points, the Hammers remain entrenched in the relegation zone, sitting in 18th place. With the team having conceded 23 goals this season, a tally bettered only by Wolverhampton Wanderers, strengthening the squad is seen as imperative for the fight ahead.
Solving the Defensive Crisis
The goalkeeping position has been a particular area of concern. Summer signing Mads Hermansen, a £20 million acquisition from Leicester City, was quickly dropped after a troubled start, leading to the return of veteran Lukasz Fabianski. A surprising solution may present itself from La Liga.
According to reports from TBR Football, Barcelona have offered experienced goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to several Premier League clubs, including West Ham. The 33-year-old German, no longer first choice at the Catalan club, is seeking regular playing time ahead of next summer's World Cup and would represent a significant upgrade.
The problems extend beyond the goalkeeper. ESPN Brazil has linked the London outfit with a potential £25 million move for Lille defender Alexsandro, as Nuno seeks to build a more resilient backline. The defence could also feature recent permanent signing Jean-Clair Todibo and new arrivals El Hadji Malick Diouf.
A New-Look Attack Led by Arsenal Man?
The primary objective for the January window is clear: find a talismanic striker to lead the line. With questions over the long-term futures of Niclas Fullkrug and Callum Wilson, West Ham are exploring the market for a proven goalscorer.
One intriguing possibility is a loan move for Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian, who boasts an impressive 76 Premier League goals, will be desperate for minutes once fully fit to bolster his World Cup ambitions. His potential arrival would allow Jarrod Bowen and the exciting Crysencio Summerville to provide support from the flanks, creating a formidable front three.
Midfield Reinforcements on the Radar
In midfield, there are signs of stability beginning to emerge. Mateus Fernandes is settling following his £40 million move from Southampton, and academy graduate Freddie Potts is showing great promise. However, the persistent speculation surrounding a departure for Lucas Paqueta means contingency plans are being drawn.
Should the Brazilian playmaker leave, Feyenoord's Quinten Timber has been identified as a potential £17 million target. Caught Offside reports that Nuno was previously interested in signing the 24-year-old during his time at Nottingham Forest, and a deal could be feasible with his contract expiring next summer.
While these transfers represent an ambitious dream scenario for the Hammers, the January window will be critical. Nuno Espirito Santo and the recruitment team face a major task to bring in the quality needed to lift the club away from danger and build on their recent momentum.
