The 2025 Premier League campaign has not been kind to West Ham United. Once hailed as a side ready to challenge for European qualification, the Hammers now find themselves battling to stay afloat after a nightmare start to the season. Under mounting pressure from supporters and facing the prospect of a relegation fight, the club’s leadership is preparing an aggressive January transfer strategy to rescue what remains of their campaign.
As David Moyes — or perhaps his successor, depending on how the coming weeks unfold — faces the toughest test of his managerial tenure, all eyes turn toward the London Stadium boardroom. Can West Ham identify the right reinforcements in time to turn their season around? And, more importantly, how did things fall apart so quickly for a team that seemed destined for continued growth?
A Season That Began in Hope Now Shrouded in Crisis
When the 2025/26 season kicked off, optimism ran high in East London. Fresh off another respectable mid-table finish, coupled with flashes of brilliance from players like Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, fans hoped the club would make another push toward European qualification.
But by the end of October, reality painted a far darker picture. West Ham had managed just two wins in their first ten league games, with defensive frailties and lack of creativity haunting their performances. The side’s goal difference plummeted, confidence evaporated, and familiar frustrations crept into the fan base.
The Hammers’ struggles have not stemmed from a lack of effort — but rather from imbalance. Injuries to key players like Lucas Paquetá and Kurt Zouma have destabilized the team’s rhythm, while summer signings have failed to make the intended impact. The result? West Ham hover perilously close to the relegation zone, their identity once again in flux.
David Moyes Under Fire Stability or Stagnation
For David Moyes, the architect behind West Ham’s European resurgence and their 2023 UEFA Conference League triumph, the current slump feels painfully familiar. Once praised for instilling discipline and defensive solidity, Moyes now finds himself accused of tactical rigidity and a lack of progression.
Fans argue that Moyes’ cautious approach — effective when the club needed stability — has now become an obstacle to evolution. The Hammers often sit deep, surrendering possession and relying on counterattacks that no longer strike fear into opponents. Critics suggest the team’s style has become predictable, while younger, more dynamic sides exploit their lack of intensity in midfield.
Despite this, Moyes retains defenders within the club’s hierarchy, particularly among those who credit him with modernizing the squad and establishing a culture of professionalism. However, football is a results-driven business — and unless West Ham start collecting points fast, the January transfer window could arrive with more changes than just new players.
Where It Went Wrong A Tactical and Structural Breakdown
To understand West Ham’s decline, one must examine both their tactical setup and squad composition.
- Defensive instability
The once-reliable backline that formed the backbone of Moyes’ system has become alarmingly porous. Full-backs are too often caught out of position, while center-backs struggle with pacey forwards. Zouma’s recurring fitness issues and Nayef Aguerd’s inconsistency have compounded the problem, forcing midfielders to drop deep and leaving the attack isolated. - Midfield imbalance
Since Declan Rice’s departure, West Ham have yet to fully replace his commanding presence. Edson Álvarez, brought in from Ajax, offers defensive stability but lacks Rice’s ability to dictate tempo and transition play. The result is a midfield that often feels disconnected — functional but uninspired. - Attacking inefficiency
While Bowen and Kudus remain bright sparks, West Ham’s attack has lacked cohesion. Michail Antonio’s age is beginning to show, and new forwards have failed to adapt quickly to the Premier League’s demands. Without a reliable finisher, chances created often go begging — turning winnable matches into costly draws or defeats. - Over-reliance on individual brilliance
Too often, West Ham rely on moments of magic from Kudus or Paquetá to bail them out. When those stars are off-form or unavailable, the team looks devoid of ideas. The lack of creative depth has made them easy to contain for disciplined opponents.
The Board’s Dilemma Back Moyes or Build Anew
Inside the London Stadium’s executive suites, debate rages over the club’s next steps. Should Moyes be trusted to lead a mid-season rebuild, or is it time to usher in a new era under a younger, more progressive manager?
The board, led by chairman David Sullivan, recognizes the risks of managerial upheaval mid-season — especially with relegation looming. Yet, pressure from fans and media is intensifying, and results could soon force their hand.
Should Moyes remain in charge, sources close to the club suggest he will demand at least three signings in January: a commanding center-back, a creative midfielder, and a proven striker. These reinforcements would target the spine of the team — areas where West Ham have struggled most.
Alternatively, if the board opts for a managerial change, potential candidates like Graham Potter, Julen Lopetegui, or even Rúben Amorim could enter the frame. However, any transition would need to happen early enough for a new boss to influence January recruitment.
January Transfer Targets The Blueprint for Survival
West Ham’s recruitment team, led by technical director Tim Steidten, has already begun drawing up potential targets. The focus, insiders say, will be on players with Premier League experience and the mental toughness required for a relegation battle.
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Central Defense Reinforcement
The club is eyeing a dependable, vocal defender to marshal the backline. Rumors link West Ham with Conor Coady (Leicester City) and Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham), both of whom could offer leadership and composure under pressure. Another option could be Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg, a younger, athletic alternative who fits Steidten’s long-term vision.
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Midfield Maestro
To restore balance and creativity in midfield, West Ham are reportedly monitoring Youssouf Fofana (Monaco) and Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City). Phillips, in particular, could be a shrewd loan acquisition — bringing Premier League familiarity and grit to the engine room.
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A Reliable Striker
Perhaps the most urgent need lies up front. With Antonio’s declining output, the Hammers desperately need a consistent goal-scorer. Names such as Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart), Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting Lisbon), and Ben Brereton Díaz (Villarreal) have surfaced as realistic options.
The challenge will be convincing top talents to join a side currently flirting with relegation — a task that might require significant financial incentives.
The Paquetá Puzzle To Sell or to Build Around
A cloud of uncertainty still hangs over Lucas Paquetá, whose ongoing FA investigation regarding betting irregularities has unsettled both the player and the club. While West Ham remain publicly supportive, the possibility of sanctions has forced the board to plan for all contingencies.
If Paquetá were to leave or face suspension, West Ham’s creative void would deepen. The Brazilian’s flair and vision remain irreplaceable within the current squad. In that scenario, the Hammers might be forced to reinvest in a new playmaker — perhaps reigniting past interest in Matheus França or Morgan Gibbs-White.
However, should Paquetá remain available, the club intends to make him the focal point of their revival. Pairing him with a new striker and more balanced midfield could reignite the fluid, attacking football that once earned Moyes widespread acclaim.
Fans’ Frustration The London Stadium’s Restless Energy
The atmosphere at the London Stadium has grown increasingly tense. Once united behind Moyes’ steady hand, fans now voice frustration over the team’s lack of ambition and creativity. Social media campaigns calling for managerial change have gained traction, while match-day chants reflect growing impatience.
Many supporters believe the club’s leadership has been too reactive rather than proactive — failing to capitalize on the momentum from recent European campaigns. The sense of déjà vu is palpable; after years of progress, West Ham again face the grim prospect of a relegation fight.
Still, the fan base remains passionate and loyal. The potential of the squad is clear — and with smart reinforcements, there’s belief that West Ham can turn things around before it’s too late.
Financial Realities The Cost of Survival
Avoiding relegation isn’t just a matter of pride — it’s a financial imperative. Dropping out of the Premier League could cost West Ham over £100 million in lost revenue, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights.
That stark reality means the January window will be approached with urgency. Expect West Ham to loosen their purse strings, perhaps even sacrificing long-term financial caution for short-term survival.
The board’s willingness to invest could make or break the season. But with the club still financially stable from previous European runs and player sales, there’s room for calculated risk — provided the signings deliver instant impact.
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