Three players West Ham United can sign in January after ‘significant’ transfer breakthrough

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West Ham appear to be completely changing the way they will be approaching signings in the future.

After making blunders like the Evan Ferguson loan from Brighton, the Hammers hierarchy has taken drastic steps to ensure such things don’t happen in the future.

Recruitment in recent seasons has been extremely poor, which has led to West Ham United facing a dire relegation threat yet again this term.

West Ham United strengthen recruitment process with AWS and Crayon partnerships

West Ham have secured a three-way partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and AI specialists Crayon to enhance their recruitment.

They are aiming to build what has been described as football’s first end-to-end generative-AI scouting platform.

With this, the Hammers aim to be the fastest to process the data in order to give them an edge over competitors during transfer windows.

Discussing this, Maximilian Hahn, their Head of Technical Recruitment & Analysis, said: “The platform we are developing using AI and machine learning builds comprehensive models to evaluate players across multiple dimensions – performance, playing style, team dynamics, age, experience, and financial fit, ensuring recruitment aligns with team goals.

“By automating and streamlining these processes, we can analyse vast datasets across markets and efficiently identify top talent, making player selection more strategic, consistent, and future-focused.”

Taking this into consideration, Hammers News has listed three players the club could now look to sign in January.

Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo is already on West Ham’s radar and given his erratic game time at Manchester United, he may be tempted to move to the London Stadium.

The data suggests that he could give Nuno Espirito Santo exactly what he needs in the middle of the park.

Compared to all midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues, he ranks in the 81st percentile for tackles per 90 minutes, 83rd percentile for progressive passes received, 88th percentile for successful take-ons and 91st percentile for touches in the opposition penalty area. (Fbref)

Franculino Dju

It’s evident that the Hammers need a striker in January, which has seen them pursue Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju.

The 21-year-old has scored 19 goals in 26 games in all competitions this season and will undoubtedly bolster their frontline.

He is also a towering striker, which Nuno may capitalise on to give his side an edge from set plays.

Tiago Gabriel

The Hammers have the second-worst defensive record, so it comes as no surprise that a centre-back is among the priority areas to address this winter.

West Ham want to sign Tiago Gabriel, who is currently plying his trade for Lecce. He is also wanted by a number of clubs across Europe.

He would be the best centre-back at the London Stadium if he’s signed, and the hierarchy must waste no time in doing everything they can to secure his services.