Sport Nation 2West Ham’s Summer Transfers Under Scrutiny: Two Players Named Among Premier League’s Worst Signings
West Ham United had a busy summer transfer window, marked by significant changes in both player departures and arrivals. After finishing a solid season under new manager Julen Lopetegui, the club embarked on a major overhaul, with technical director Tim Steidten leading the charge in reshaping the squad. Lopetegui, who inherited one of the smallest and oldest squads in the Premier League, was tasked with revitalizing the Hammers’ roster for the 2024-2025 season.
During the transfer window, West Ham offloaded 12 players and brought in nine new signings, spending over £155 million. Among these signings were notable names like Max Kilman, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Crysencio Summerville, who have impressed so far. However, despite the significant investment, not all of West Ham’s moves have been successful. In a recent report by Italian outlet Tutto Juve, two of West Ham’s summer signings—Niclas Fullkrug and James Ward-Prowse—were listed among the top 10 worst Premier League transfers of the season.
A Summer of Change at West Ham
The summer of 2024 was pivotal for West Ham. Lopetegui, known for his tactical acumen and strong leadership, worked alongside Steidten to completely transform the squad. The departures of several key players left gaps that needed to be filled, but the club also recognized the need to inject youth and dynamism into the team.
Despite the departures, West Ham made some impressive acquisitions, including French center-back Jean-Clair Todibo and versatile defender Max Kilman, who has been solid at the back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, signed from Manchester United, has also proven his worth with consistent performances. Additionally, winger Crysencio Summerville has brought pace and creativity to the team, making an impact early in the season.
However, not all of West Ham’s moves have been as successful, and some decisions have drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike. One of the most controversial moves was the signing of Niclas Fullkrug, a 31-year-old striker plagued by injuries throughout his career. Despite his reputation as a capable goal scorer, Fullkrug’s recurring fitness issues have already become a concern, with the striker missing more than half of West Ham’s games this season due to injury.
The Struggles of Niclas Fullkrug
Fullkrug joined West Ham for £23.5 million in the summer, a move that many fans questioned given the player’s age and injury history. Fullkrug was expected to bring experience and a physical presence to West Ham’s front line, but his time at the club has been hampered by injuries. After missing the last five matches, rumors have circulated that Fullkrug might require surgery, casting further doubt on his future contributions.
Tutto Juve ranked Fullkrug as the seventh worst signing of the summer, a reflection of the disappointment surrounding his time at West Ham so far. While some believe it’s too early to label Fullkrug a flop, his inability to stay fit has raised concerns, especially given the Hammers’ refusal to sign a younger, more dynamic striker like Jhon Duran from Aston Villa.
James Ward-Prowse’s Difficult Transition
Another West Ham player singled out in Tutto Juve’s report is James Ward-Prowse. The former Southampton captain was a standout performer in his debut season at West Ham, contributing 18 goals and assists. However, Ward-Prowse was loaned to Nottingham Forest this season, a move that surprised many fans who felt the midfielder still had much to offer the club.
Ward-Prowse’s time at Nottingham Forest has not gone as expected. Forest fans have been critical of his performances, labeling him as a poor signing. The 29-year-old has struggled to replicate the form that made him one of the most reliable midfielders in the Premier League. As a result, Tutto Juve ranked him eighth on their list of worst summer signings, marking a steep fall from grace for a player once hailed as one of the league’s best set-piece specialists.
West Ham’s Transfer Strategy Under Fire
The inclusion of both Fullkrug and Ward-Prowse on the list of worst signings has raised questions about West Ham’s transfer strategy. While the club made some shrewd acquisitions, the decision to invest heavily in Fullkrug, given his injury history, now appears to be a gamble that hasn’t paid off. Similarly, allowing Ward-Prowse to leave after such a productive debut season has been viewed as a misstep by some fans and analysts.
West Ham’s refusal to meet Aston Villa’s asking price for young striker Jhon Duran has also been criticized in hindsight. Duran, seen as a long-term solution to West Ham’s striker problems, would have brought pace, power, and potential to the front line. Instead, the club opted for the more experienced, but injury-prone, Fullkrug—a decision that now seems questionable given his ongoing fitness issues.
Bright Spots Amid the Challenges
Despite the criticism surrounding Fullkrug and Ward-Prowse, there have been positive signs for West Ham this season. Players like Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo have bolstered the defense, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka has added stability at right-back. Crysencio Summerville, one of the club’s more exciting signings, has also impressed with his speed and technical ability, offering hope for the future.
The club’s decision to loan Mahamadou Kante, a promising young midfielder, back to Paris FC for the season could also prove to be a smart move. Kante is highly regarded for his potential, and West Ham will be eager to integrate him into the squad next summer.
Moving Forward
As the season progresses, West Ham will need to navigate the challenges posed by injuries and underperforming players. Lopetegui has already shown that he is capable of getting the best out of his squad, but the team’s success will depend on the ability of key players like Fullkrug to stay fit and contribute.
For Ward-Prowse, the remainder of the season at Nottingham Forest offers a chance to rediscover his form and prove that he can still compete at the highest level. Whether or not West Ham made the right call in letting him leave will become clearer as the season unfolds.
In the end, West Ham’s summer transfer window was a mix of hits and misses. While some players have settled in well and made an immediate impact, others—like Fullkrug and Ward-Prowse—have yet to justify the club’s investment. As the team continues to evolve under Lopetegui, only time will tell if the decisions made this summer will lead to long-term success or if further changes will be needed.
Sport nation
Amina Umar
