West Ham United’s recent struggles under Nuno Espirito Santo mirror the challenges faced by his predecessor, Graham Potter, at the London Stadium. While Potter’s tenure was marred by disappointments and a low win rate, the blame could partially be attributed to the club’s recruitment decisions.
Former West Ham boss Alan Pardew criticized the team’s transfer record, questioning missed opportunities like signing Viktor Gyokeres from Coventry City. The lack of attacking options for Potter, especially following an injury-plagued season, has become glaringly evident with Niclas Fullkrug’s limited starts.
The current situation at West Ham, with a reliance on aging strikers like Callum Wilson and potential struggles in the January transfer window, highlights the consequences of past recruitment mishaps. The recent injury setback to Fullkrug intensifies the need for a new striker, with options like Real Madrid’s Endrick and Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood being considered. Despite Wood’s impressive record, the prospect of adding another 30-something forward raises concerns among the fans and pundits alike.
As the team navigates through Fullkrug’s absence, there is growing pressure to address the striker issue and make the right moves in the upcoming transfer window. The club’s failure to secure a reliable goal-scoring option could further exacerbate their challenges in the Premier League, emphasizing the importance of strategic recruitment decisions moving forward.
