West Ham United had a busy summer transfer window and fully backed newly-appointed manager Julen Lopetegui.
The Hammers outlaid a total of £121m on 10 new signings, with Max Kilman’s £40m switch from Wolves the most expensive.
TBR have now rated every West Ham transfer out of 10, taking the following factors into consideration.
- Transfer fee
- Expected impact
- Vision (is it short, medium, or long-term planning?)
Max Kilman (£40m) – 7/10
Kilman was West Ham’s most expensive addition and whilst he’s certainly proven in the Premier League, they’ve slightly overpaid.
The 27-year-old, who’s yet to make his England debut, worked under Lopetegui at Wolves and has slotted straight into his side, so evidently he’ll be a key player over the next few years.
It’s just the fee that brings his rating down, otherwise, a great signing.
Crysencio Summerville (£24.6m) – 10/10
Crysencio Summerville was the best player in the Championship for Leeds United last season, netting 19 times whilst laying on nine assists.
The Dutchman has virtually every attribute a winger needs and could become of the league’s best over the next decade.
£24m is shrewd business, too.
Niclas Fullkrug (£22.7m) – 5/10
There is no long-term plan with the Niclas Fullkrug signing.
The 31-year-old is unlikely to sustain his peak for more than a few years and his sell-on will be next to nothing
But, having said that, Fullkrug will probably hit double figures and will be a great focal point for the talented wide players to play into.
Luis Guilherme (£19.3m) – 6/10
Luis Guilherme joins with a big reputation in Brazil but he’ll have to have a period of adaption to convince in the Premier League.
He’s yet to make his West Ham debut but aged only 18, there’s plenty of time to develop and grow under Lopetegui’s stewardship.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£14.8m) – 8/10
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is an established Premier League right back with a ton of experience playing in Europe, too.
For £14.8m, he could prove to be one of the best bargains of the window and age is still very much on his side.
Guido Rodriguez (free) – 7/10
Guido Rodriguez, who celebrated his 30th birthday in April, has collected 30 caps for the Argentina national team – evincing his quality.
Rodriguez played with Edson Alvarez at Club America, so the pair could form a really good understanding on the pitch.
Good business from The Hammers.
Wes Foderingham (free) – 6/10
Wes Foderingham joins West Ham’s goalkeeping ranks on a free transfer from Sheffield United and is set to be third choice.
Decent deal, no fee paid…
Mohamadou Kante (undisclosed fee) – 6/10
Mohamadou Kante has been labelled a ‘promising’ (per the West Ham United website) midfielder after his switch from Paris FC.
He’s returned there on loan for the season and only time will tell if this is an inspired pickup.
Jean-Clair Todibo (loan with £35m buy option) – 9/10
West Ham managed to beat Juventus to Jean-Clair Todibo’s signature and the deal they’ve done is brilliant business.
An initial loan with an option to buy makes it a risk-free transfer with a massive upside, too.
Todibo was one of the best defenders in Ligue 1 last season, so if he can make that transition, it’ll be game-changing for Lopetegui’s side.
Carlos Soler (loan) – 8/10
Carlos Soler arrived from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day and adds real quality to the midfield ranks.
It’s only a loan, so there’s no risk attached, but if he is a success, they’ll likely have to outlay a fortune to bring him in permanently next summer.
Anyhow, it’s a smart signing.