Manuel Pellegrini is reportedly interested in signing a striker and centre-back in the January transfer window with an emphasis on deals being loans.
This is according to Claret and Hugh, who’s sources suggest that both positions are being looked at ahead of the window and that the Hammers boss is eager to make loan signings instead of permanent ones due to the financial logistics.
West Ham have had a decent start to life in the Premier League with Pellegrini’s side currently sitting in 8th in the table, yet as any Hammers fan would tell you, the Irons squad remains incredibly thin in some positions.
As graphs from Transfermarkt show, the east London club only have two natural strikers in summer signings Sebastien Haller and Albian Ajeti as well as two centre-backs that Pellegrini prefers to start in the form of Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna based on stats from Transfermarkt.
With the unpredictable nature of the Premier League so far this season that sees the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United below West Ham in the table, finding the right players in the winter could see the Hammers finish the season in an extremely strong position, yet after an expensive summer, making loan signings seems to be the correct decision.
As figures from Transfermarkt show, the Hammers spent over £70m on new players in the previous transfer window, yet an abundance of departures has left West Ham’s squad fairly thin head into this season, and although this is hasn’t caused problems yet, the possibility is always there if one of two players pick up long-term injuries.
Signing a centre-back and an extra striker will be smart business from West Ham in the winter, and making these deals as loans financially makes sense given the amount the club spent over the summer.
