It’s been all change at the London Stadium this summer. West Ham United waved goodbye to David Moyes at the end of last summer, with the Scot having overseen a largely successful period for the Hammers.
In his five years at the club, Moyes’s achievements included a Premier League club-record points tally, a Europa League semi-final, and, most importantly, securing West Ham’s first major trophy in more than 40 years as they lifted the Europa Conference League.
Things became rather stagnant domestically, though, with lower finishes than many would have expected in the top flight. His time in east London was up, with his contract expiring at the end of last season.
Former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui was named as his successor, and the Irons are expected to have a solid season, according to the Premier League betting odds. The Spaniard has put his own touch on the side with a flurry of activity in the transfer market.
With that said, let’s assess some of Lopetegui’s summer signings as the new Premier League season gets underway.
Max Kilman
Lopetegui moved quickly to bring a familiar face into the London Stadium dressing room, signing Max Kilman for £40 million from his former side Wolves.
The 27-year-old brings bags of Premier League experience to the Hammers, having made over 120 top-flight appearances during his time at Molineux.
West Ham shipped 74 goals last season, the worst outside the relegation zone, and Lopetegui will hope that Kilman can solidify his backline.
The 27-year-old is also hoping to impress interim England boss Lee Carsley with his performances, potentially earning his first call-up for the Three Lions.
Crysencio Summerville
With Leeds United failing to earn promotion back to the Premier League last season, losing the Championship play-off final to Southampton, it was always likely Daniel Farke would lose key parts of his squad this summer.
Crysencio Summerville was one of the players tipped to leave for the top flight. Throughout the early stages of the window, he was linked with Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, but West Ham secured his services.
While Summerville contributed a mere six goals in 28 Premier League appearances when the Yorkshire outfit were relegated in 2022-23, he scored 20 times and provided nine assists in the Championship last campaign.
£25 million is not bad for a player of his ability in today’s market, and it’s worth noting that Summerville appears to have developed massively as a player over the last year. There’s a good chance he could prove to be a bargain buy.
Niclas Fullkrug
West Ham are nearly as unfortunate as Chelsea when it comes to signing strikers, with London Stadium on the cusp of becoming just as big of a graveyard for forwards as Stamford Bridge.
Niclas Fullkrug is the latest attempt by the Hammers to try and lift the curse, as the German international signed from Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund for £27m.
A regular goal-getter in the Bundesliga, with over 150 strikes for the likes of BVB, Werder Bremen and Hannover 96, Lopetegui will be desperate for Fullkrug to translate his form to the Premier League.
West Ham were one of the teams with the fewest goals scored in the top half of the table last term, so if Fullkrug can find the back of the net regularly, it could be vital to them climbing further up the standings.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
In another bid to tighten up their defence, West Ham have brought in Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United on a seven-year deal worth £15m.
The 26-year-old made 190 appearances for the Red Devils but has suffered from injuries over the last few seasons and has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford.
Wan-Bissaka had a love-hate relationship with the Man United fans. His defensive abilities were often praised, while his attacking output was regularly criticised.
His low price tag appears to be another bargain in today’s market, and he will slot straight in at right-back to help firm up the defence and make them more favourable in the Premier League tips.
West Ham also signed Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras, while Guido Rodriguez and Wes Foderingham were brought in for free. Jean Clair-Todibo has been loaned in from Nice.
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