Yahoo Sports Two January signings West Ham must prioritise to transform their season
West Ham United have had a woeful Premier League campaign and are just seven points above the relegation zone.
Manager Julen Lopetegui is facing the axe and is in desperate need of reinforcements to turn things around at the London Stadium.
The Spanish manager, in collaboration with technical director Tim Steidten, spent over £120 million on a comprehensive squad overhaul last summer after the club sent David Moyes on his way.
However, the huge outlay has done little to turn West Ham’s fortunes around, which also placed Steidten’s role at the club under increased scrutiny.
It is unclear if Lopetegui will be given more time during the January transfer window to arrest West Ham’s slump, but his days in London look numbered.
According to journalist Matt Law, the Hammers are already drawing up a list of targets for the January transfer window, but they must prioritise two potential signings that could be the key to a resurgence.
Evan Ferguson – Brighton & Hove Albion
West Ham are reportedly eyeing up a move for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.
The 20-year-old was once considered one of the best young strikers in the country, but injuries have derailed his development.
Since returning from a lengthy lay-off, the Republic of Ireland international has struggled to recapture the goalscoring form that made him one of the most lethal young strikers in the league.
He has scored just once in 14 games across all competitions but remains highly rated and is being tracked by several Premier League clubs.
West Ham need to get there first. Injuries to Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen have left West Ham short of forwards.
Addressing that area of the pitch is a top priority in January, and Ferguson could be available on loan.
It seems like the smart move for West Ham. The young striker could do with a change of scenery to recapture his form, and he could be the key to helping Lopetegui keep his job for much longer.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – Chelsea
West Ham are also in the market for a midfielder, and Chelsea’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ticks all the boxes.
The 26-year-old played a starring role for Leicester City as Enzo Maresca led them back to the Premier League by winning the Championship.
The Italian tactician made a summer switch to Chelsea and took Dewsbury-Hall with him, but it hasn’t worked out for the English midfielder.
Since switching Leicester for Chelsea, Dewsbury-Hall has made 15 appearances across all competitions, but only five have been in the Premier League.
He’s been limited to 55 minutes of Premier League football, enjoying most of the action in the Europa Conference League, where he has netted twice and provided an assist in six games.
Dewsbury-Hall could do with more game time, and West Ham are well positioned to utilise his versatility and creativity in midfield.
Given Chelsea’s vast array of talent in the middle of the park, they may not shut the door on a potential January exit for Dewsbury-Hall, especially if the Hammers propose a loan move.
