David Moyes has given his first insight into West Ham’s January transfer plans when asked about a looming issue.
With all the international breaks, there is a feeling that the Premier League season has not had the chance to gather any real momentum for West Ham.
There is yet another on the horizon after West Ham’s home clash against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
That will see several Hammers stars jet off to represent their national sides.
And that raises an interesting question about what is on the horizon for West Ham and manager David Moyes in the coming months.
Significant African influence at West Ham
The January transfer window will soon be upon us. While West Ham were widely regarded to have had an excellent summer window, fans have been critical of the decision not to sign a replacement striker for Gianluca Scamacca.
Now Moyes has given his first insight into West Ham’s January transfer plans when asked about a looming issue.
That issue being the African Nations tournament between January and February.
West Ham have a strong African influence in their team and it was enhanced further by the signing of brilliant Ghana star Mohammed Kudus in the summer.
That could have a big impact on West Ham’s squad for around five to six weeks.
Moyes gives first insight into January transfer plans
Because West Ham will – selection and injury permitting – lose four players for up to six games at AFCON and three of them are absolutely key stars.
Clubs are usually required to release players participating in AFCON at least a week prior to the tournament starting on January 13th.
And the tournament does not finish until five weeks later on February 11th.
Most players involved are also given a few days rest after their involvement before returning to club duty – although that will be between West Ham boss Moyes and his players to agree upon.
‘We’ll work it out and plan from there’
It means West Ham will likely be without three absolutely key stars Kudus, Said Benrahma and Nayef Aguerd as well as Maxwel Cornet for an FA Cup tie in early January and then games against Sheffield United, Bournemouth, Manchester United, Arsenal and possibly Nottingham Forest depending on how far they go and how much – if any – leave they are given afterwards.
Speaking in his latest press conference, Moyes has admitted he will need to assess – presumably with technical director Tim Steidten – whether that means West Ham have to sign players in the winter window.
“We have been talking about it (impact of AFCON and January window plans) and three or four players possibly going away,” Moyes said in his pre-Forest presser.
“But I don’t know if it will mean we sign more players.
“We’ll work out how many games they will potentially miss and plan (potential transfers) from there.”
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