West Ham United are preparing for what could be their most crucial January transfer window in recent memory as the club battles to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Hammers in Crisis
The London club has endured one of their worst starts to a season in years, with former manager Graham Potter departing with the worst win rate of any manager in West Ham's history. Recent performances under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo have offered glimpses of hope, but the threat of dropping to the Championship for the first time in 14 years remains very real.
Using the popular football simulation game Football Manager 2026, we can get a fascinating glimpse into what the Hammers' January business might look like as they attempt to secure their Premier League status.
Predicted January Signings
Ivan Toney: £40 million from Al-Ahli
The former Newcastle United striker emerges as West Ham's primary target in a blockbuster £40 million deal. With Niclas Füllkrug reportedly wanting to leave and struggling to make an impact, Toney could provide the firepower needed to keep the Hammers afloat. The move would see him reunite with another former Magpie, Callum Wilson.
Liel Abada: Loan from Charlotte FC
The Israeli midfielder, who previously spent three seasons at Celtic between 2021 and 2024, arrives on loan to provide cover for Jarrod Bowen. Interestingly, Abada has also filled in at full-back for his national team, adding valuable versatility to the squad.
Pascal Stenzel: £1.2 million from Stuttgart
The former German Under-21 international joins to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back. With over 200 Bundesliga appearances and experience in Stuttgart's cup-winning team, Stenzel offers proven quality as a utility player.
Surprising Departures
Crysencio Summerville: Loan to PSG
In one of the more surprising predictions, former Leeds United winger Summerville could be heading to European champions Paris Saint-Germain on a six-month loan deal. While the Dutchman has failed to live up to expectations since arriving from West Yorkshire, this move echoes West Ham's unexpected 2009 loan of Julien Faubert to Real Madrid.
Freddie Potts: Loan to Coventry City
The promising young midfielder, who has emerged as a first-team player under Nuno after a successful Championship loan spell at Portsmouth last season, might be sent to Coventry City for further development.
With more than a month remaining until the January window opens, West Ham's recruitment team will be working tirelessly to ensure they're prepared for what could ultimately define their season. These Football Manager predictions offer an intriguing insight into the type of business that might unfold at the London Stadium.
