West Ham have broken their silence with a 16-word transfer update on deadline day – and have confirmed a big deal as well as their intention to try and make more signings.
- Hammers News exclusive
Things are finally looking up for the Hammers.
West Ham got their first win of the new season when they ran out 3-0 winners at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
It came after the £60m arrival of midfield duo Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa to seriously lift spirits as toxic clouds started to engulf east London.
Goals from Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Callum Wilson have breathed new life into West Ham going into the international break.
Paqueta has pledged his future to the Hammers amid links to Aston Villa.
West Ham issue 16-word deadline day transfer update
Fernandes put in a stunning debut performance and the crowning glory was the surprise return of Crysencio Summerville, who proved to be the game-changer, playing a key part in all three goals.
While the much-needed positivity has eased the pressure on Graham Potter, West Ham are still short in a couple of key areas.
Nayef Aguerd refused to travel to the City Ground for the game as he demanded to leave the Hammers.
Hammers News revealed earlier this summer Aguerd had no interest in returning to play for West Ham and had only done so because none of his suitors had met the club’s £17.5m asking price.
Aguerd has failed miserably to live up to his £30m fee since joining the Hammers.
The former Rennes man is too weak and slow to play in the Premier League and there have been question marks over his commitment too.
West Ham fans have not forgotten when Aguerd cried off sick for crucial games a couple of years ago but was then suddenly perfectly fine to travel to play for Morocco in the African Nations.
This latest episode will burn any remaining bridges with Hammers supporters.
He fared better in the slower-paced, less physical La Liga on loan at Real Sociedad last season.
But even they were not sufficiently impressed to make the move permanent despite having plenty of money to spend.
Hammers confirm big deal and intention to make signings
Aguerd’s departure is key to unlocking any transfer deadline day incomings at the London Stadium.
Now West Ham have issued a 16-word deadline day transfer update and have confirmed a big deal.
The good news is that the Hammers do intend to try and make signings with links intensifying over moves for a new goalkeeper, centre-back, midfielder and forward.
Assessing the club’s plans for the final day of the window, West Ham are lining up four arrivals and three exits in a best case scenario.
Aguerd leaving for £17.5m holds the key, though.
West Ham say ‘more out than in’ on deadline day
Especially if West Ham are to bring in a replacement centre-back with Toulouse star Charlie Cresswell and Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis the main targets.
Chelsea outcast Axel Disasi, who was recommended to the club by sporting director Mark Noble when he was still at Monaco, is also in West Ham’s sights.
Alphonse Areola could also depart with the Hammers eyeing two Croatian goalkeepers.
Another midfielder and a potential loan with option deal for Bayer Leverkusen and Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has also been under consideration.
Hammers News has asked the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners about the plans for deadline day.
It has got off to a good start before the 7pm deadline with the Hammers board confirming the £17.5m Aguerd deal is going through.
West Ham have also confirmed they plan to bring players in but have made it clear there will likely be more going out than arriving.
“Yes there is hope for deals but more going out that coming in as we try to balance the books,” the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners exclusively told Hammers News on deadline day.
“But we can confirm Aguerd has gone to Marseille.”
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