New Manager, new era, West Ham United appears to be finally moving in the right direction. The Hammers are already looking to add new faces in order to rebuild and strengthen their squad for next season’s campaign. However, do the East London club really need a massive signing this summer to get back on track and firing on all cylinders?
The Hammers have been strongly linked with a number of top players over the past few weeks, which include the likes of David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and astonishingly even Joe Cole. But, do they really require a player of this stature? Many Hammer fans would think so after the season they endured this year. Though, some may argue that these players have had their day and the club should focus more on getting a collection of hardworking players rather than a superstar.
It’s fair to say, and agree on, that West Ham did have an absolute abysmal season and barely survived the lure of the relegation places. Their current squad players looked depleted, morale was definitely down yet they managed to survive another year in the top-flight. Looking through the squad, it appears to have no recognised superstar, someone to inspire and spur the team on. Some of you reading this will think they do have a player like this in Scott Parker. Granted, Parker is the heart and soul of the club (he’s not Mr. West Ham for nothing) but he is not a player to depend on when you need a goal or a moment of brilliance, which maybe what West Ham need this summer.
Earlier this week, Avram Grant made his first signing as the new West Ham boss by acquiring German international Thomas Hitzlsperger from Lazio on a free. The 29-year-old midfielder, nicknamed ‘the hammer’ (no pun intended) can do a great job for the club, but will the Hammers need more high-profile players in order to stay clear of another relegation battle next season? Or, do they need a collection of industrious players instead?
A top signing would no doubt be great for revenue and raise the club’s profile in the long-term. However, you could argue that the players they have been linked with are not the same as they once were 5-10 years ago. A majority of the fans will want to see the club capture players that are willing to fight and blend into the current squad swiftly. However, if the Hammers manage to sign a world-class and established player like Beckham or Henry, then this will no doubt attract more noticeable footballer’s to the club as well.
West Ham’s co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan are willing, in their own words, ‘push the boat out’ to sign quality players this summer. The pair have high ambitions in mind for the East London club, and as such, will be doing everything in their power to get the Hammers moving forward rather than backwards.
The fact is (and many will agree) that West Ham need to strengthen their squad this summer or possibly face another melee at the bottom once again. The early attainment of Thomas Hitzlsperger is a great one in many fans eyes, and if Grant could obtain more signings like this, then there is no reason why the team could end up in the top half of the table next season. However, the right individuals need to arrive through the Upton Park doors during the summer window, whether these are top players like Henry and Beckham will be up to the board and Avram Grant to decide.
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