If West Ham were hoping to fly under the radar this season then they may be out of luck as another two pundits join their growing list of admirers.
When he was officially unveiled by West Ham last month, new head coach Julen Lopetegui made it perfectly clear he means business.
The former Spain and Real Madrid boss declared he wants to ‘make a big noise’ with the Hammers.
Those words have been backed up by West Ham’s summer transfer window activity.
Together Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten and the owners have been doing some mean business.
West Ham have signed an intriguing mix and blend of exciting young stars and experienced players who are ready to go.
Brazilian teen sensation Luis Guilherme and young flying Dutchman Crysencio Summerville have bolstered the Irons’ attack for the years ahead.
They add to the already exciting mix of Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta.
West Ham’s transfer window being dubbed their best ever
Powerful and experienced Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug has been signed as well as Argentina midfielder Guido Rodriguez – a World Cup and two-time Copa America winner.
West Ham’s defence has been almost completely overhauled too. And in some style.
Centre-back duo Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo have been joined by new right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka at the London Stadium.
It is unlikely you will see a better upgrade than going from Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd and Vladimir Cofual to Kilman, Todibo and Wan-Bissaka.
West Ham may not be done there either with further additions possible should deadwood leave in what many are calling the club’s best ever window.
When Lopetegui first arrived, it was to almost universal cynicism from the football press, among whom are many a David Moyes fan.
It was easier to draw up a list of those not doubting Lopetegui. And it usually only included his compatriot Guillem Balague.
The former Wolves boss has impressed when speaking about his plans. But it is the transfer business which has really made Hammers fans, supporters of rival clubs, journalists and pundits sit up and take notice of late.
Henry Winter and Stan Collymore raved about West Ham’s window.
And many are predicting the Hammers could be dark horses this season, tipping them to qualify for Europe.
O’Hara and Agbonlahor agree West Ham now a big problem
Another two admirers can be added to West Ham’s list.
Because Jamie O’Hara and Gabby Agbonlahor agree West Ham are now a big problem for the Premier League.
“West Ham, they look good,” O’Hara said on talkSPORT at 9.29am.
“Wan-Bissaka coming in, Kilman, Fullkrug up front, they have signed some really good players. You have got Bowen in there, they could be interesting, they could potentially maybe get into the top six, you know, West Ham.
“It depends on whether the manager really gets the best out of the players he has got. He has signed really well. Tough, of course, it is going to be tough, but they have done it before with David Moyes, and they have signed some really good players. So why not? I don’t think they will be top six, but there is no reason to say they can’t because of the players that they have signed.”
Agbonlahor agreed, stating West Ham are ‘going to be a problem’ for teams this season – starting with his old club Aston Villa.
Pundit can’t believe Hammers signed Wan-Bissaka
“I think you look at the signings they have made and they have had a go,” Agbonlahor said.
“You sort of feel for David Moyes, don’t you? Lopetegui has come in, he has been given £150 million to spend. Wan-Bissaka, Summerville, Kilman, very good centre-half, also Fullkrug, who did very well at Dortmund last season, he was in the Euros with Germany.
“I think West Ham are going to be a problem, and if there’s one team you do not want to face on the first day of the season, it’s a team with a new manager. That new manager bounce, it’s going to be high energy, tomorrow evening the West Ham stadium, I think it’s a tough game for Aston Villa. My heart says win, but my head says a draw.”
Agbonlahor also added that he feels West Ham have pulled off a major coup signing Wan-Bissaka.
And he simply cannot fathom why Manchester United let him leave.
“Wan-Bissaka, for me, I don’t understand why Manchester United got rid of him,” Agbonlahor added.
“No one beats him one-v-one.”
One talkSPORT regular doesn’t agree with the current buzz surrounding West Ham, though.
Troy Deeney delivered a shocking take on Lopetegui and West Ham last week.
And one Sky Sports man is so impressed by West Hams transfers that he thinks it has created a major problem.
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