West Ham's Potential Relegation-Beating Starting XI Based on Transfer Rumours
As the January transfer window approaches its deadline, West Ham United are actively working on new deals to bolster their squad for a crucial relegation battle. Having already secured three new arrivals, the Hammers are building momentum with recent wins against Tottenham and Sunderland. Currently five points adrift, the club's leadership is backing manager Nuno Espirito Santo in the market to ignite a genuine survival bid. Based on recent transfer rumours, we explore a possible starting XI for West Ham post-window, featuring a Manchester City star and a tactical shift to a back five formation that could prove pivotal in their fight for Premier League safety.
Goalkeeper and Defensive Reinforcements
In goal, Stefan Ortega from Manchester City has been strongly linked with a move to West Ham, as Santo reportedly seeks an upgrade over current keeper Alphonse Areola. This potential signing underscores the club's ambition to strengthen key positions. The defensive line could see a significant overhaul, with a switch to a back five formation to enhance solidity. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is tipped to start as the right wing-back, offering defensive security crucial in a relegation scrap, while new signing Adam Traore provides depth. On the left, El Hadji Malick Diouf could thrive in his preferred wing-back role, with options like Oliver Scarles available.
The centre-back trio is set to feature Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo as clear starters, with Axel Disasi from Chelsea potentially joining them. Disasi's arrival, though he may need time to regain fitness after a lengthy absence, would enable Santo to implement the back five system he has used successfully in the past, adding much-needed depth and experience to the defence.
Midfield and Attacking Options
In midfield, Mateus Fernandes has regained form and is expected to remain a starter, alongside Tomas Soucek, who has been instrumental in recent matches. With the shift to a back five, Freddie Potts could be recalled to the starting lineup to provide balance, though additional midfield signings might be wise to support this tactical change. The attacking midfield role is likely to be occupied by Jarrod Bowen, who could form a dynamic partnership with new striker Taty Castellanos. This duo, potentially interchangeable in a fluid front line, aims to boost West Ham's goal-scoring threat, with Crysencio Summerville and Pablo Felipe offering alternative options in more central or advanced positions.
Up front, Taty Castellanos has made an immediate impact since his arrival and is poised to retain his place while in form. Alternatives such as Callum Wilson provide further attacking depth, ensuring Santo has versatile options to adapt to different match scenarios. This proposed XI, blending established players with rumoured signings, represents a solid and balanced team capable of mounting a serious survival challenge, leveraging tactical flexibility and enhanced squad depth.
