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Boost for West Ham

West Ham United have received a significant boost ahead of their crucial Europa League second-leg tie against Bayer Leverkusen.

Initial concerns regarding Jarrod Bowen‘s fitness appear to have subsided. According to a report from PA Media, the England international winger is “set to be fit” for the match on April 18th.

Jarrod Bowen – game changer?

West Ham’s chances of overturning the 2-0 deficit are significantly bolstered by Bowen’s potential return. The 27-year-old is the team’s top scorer, having netted 19 goals in all competitions this season.

Despite Bowen’s return, West Ham face a daunting task. Bayer Leverkusen are the newly crowned Bundesliga champions, riding a 43-game unbeaten streak. No team has managed to defeat them this season.

For West Ham to progress, they would need to become the first team to beat Leverkusen this season and win by a three-goal margin to avoid extra time or penalties.

While the odds are stacked against them, West Ham’s hopes are bolstered by Bowen’s attacking prowess. His presence on the pitch could be the difference for the Hammers.

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New Financial Rules Could Crimp West Ham’s Transfer Ambitions

The Premier League’s current Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) are set to be replaced by a new system based on UEFA’s Financial Sustainability Regulations (FSR) as early as this summer. This new system could significantly impact West Ham’s transfer activity.

 

The Athletic conducted an analysis of how this new system will affect Premier League clubs. Their findings suggest that West Ham, alongside Aston Villa and Newcastle, will be among the most negatively impacted.

The report highlights clubs like West Ham as being most vulnerable. These are teams aiming to break into the top six but might find themselves restricted by the new regulations.

Financial experts believe these regulations could hinder the ambitions of “aspirational clubs” like West Ham. They argue that a more equitable system would be preferable.

West Ham’s new transfer guru, Tim Steidten, likely won’t be pleased with these developments. He was brought in to help the club close the gap to the top six, and these new rules could make that more difficult.

West Ham will need to adjust their transfer strategy under the new regulations. Steidten, known for his ability to find bargains, will need to be even more resourceful in identifying and acquiring talented players within a potentially restricted budget.

Despite the challenges, there’s a positive takeaway. Steidten has a history of success in building squads with limited resources.

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Moyes Hints at Exit

West Ham United manager David Moyes appears increasingly likely to depart the club at season’s end, with tensions simmering between him and the board.

A decision on Moyes’ future hinges on the Europa League tie against Bayer Leverkusen. A loss would see West Ham’s season conclude this evening, prompting a final verdict on his contract.

Reports suggest Moyes only has one strong supporter remaining on the West Ham board. A sticking point in contract negotiations is the manager’s desire to retain influence over transfers, something the board seems unwilling to concede.

Despite guiding West Ham to three consecutive European campaigns and their first major trophy in 43 years, Moyes feels his achievements are being overlooked. He’s reportedly hurt by fan criticism.

Regardless of Moyes’ future, West Ham face a significant summer rebuild. Up to ten players could be shown the door, but new financial restrictions might limit their spending power.

In yesterdays press conference, a seemingly embittered Moyes issued a veiled warning to his potential successor. He alluded to the inherent challenges of managing West Ham, implying it’s a difficult club to achieve sustained success at.

While Moyes deserves credit for stabilising the club and delivering European football, his inability to build a long-term competitive squad necessitates a rebuild.

The upcoming summer promises to be a period of significant change for West Ham. They must not only find a new manager but also navigate a potentially restricted transfer market to address the squad’s weaknesses.

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Hammers Target £50m Solanke in Summer Spending Spree

West Ham United are set to splash the cash this summer as they target Bournemouth’s in-form striker Dominic Solanke in a deal potentially worth £50 million.

The Hammers are well aware of their weakness in attack and are actively seeking reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window. Our struggles in front of goal this season have been a cause for concern.

Solanke isn’t a new name on West Ham’s radar. The club reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the England international last summer as well.

This season, Solanke has been nearly unstoppable. He boasts an impressive tally of 19 goals and 4 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions, making him a highly sought-after striker.

Transfer competition

West Ham aren’t the only club interested in Solanke’s services. Their London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, are also reportedly keen on signing the prolific striker, according to various websites. This competition could drive up the asking price.

Solanke’s recent contract extension with Bournemouth in September 2023 strengthens the Cherries’ negotiating position. This could potentially inflate his transfer fee come summer. While Bournemouth are eager to keep Solanke, they are reportedly open to considering substantial offers. However, that will only be if the player himself desires a move away from the south coast club.

A hefty transfer fee of around £50 million is believed to be what it takes to convince Bournemouth to part ways with their star striker. West Ham will need to decide if Solanke’s goalscoring prowess justifies  such a significant investment.

 

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Hammers in Harmony Crisis

 

Let’s face it our beloved club finds itself at a crossroads. Moyes has undoubtedly brought a level of stability to West Ham, steering them clear of relegation anxieties and into European competition. However, his brand of football, while effective, is often seen as lacking in flair. The question facing the club’s hierarchy is this: do they stick with the devil they know, or gamble on a new manager who promises excitement but with no guarantee of success?

Hammers in harmony crisis

 

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan believes the fans’ frustrations are legitimate. In an interview, Jordan suggested that the West Ham owners have the right to ask Moyes for a more attacking style. However, he cautioned against the potential downside – sacrificing results for flashier football could backfire.

Jordan speculated that Moyes might counter by highlighting the club’s progress under his leadership and the potential risks associated with a drastic change in philosophy.

While some fans remain grateful for the stability Moyes has brought, others are yearning for a more progressive approach.

Thomas Tuchel, the recently sacked Chelsea manager is known for his attacking tactics. Tuchel’s experience and potential compatibility with West Ham’s new transfer guru, Tim Steidten, make him a tempting option.

The growing frustration among fans is undeniable. Could a manager like Tuchel capitalise on Moyes’ groundwork and deliver the attacking football fans crave, while still maintaining a level of success? Only time will tell if West Ham will decide to shake things up or remain in a state of “Hammers in Harmony Crisis.”

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West Ham in Race to Keep Versatile Defender

West Ham United face an uphill battle to retain defender Ben Johnson, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Fed Up Hammer_Ben Johnson played himself into first team contention

Irons want to keep Johnson

According to GiveMeSport, West Ham are still trying to negotiate a contract extension with Johnson, but they may be too late.

Crystal Palace are reportedly confident of signing Johnson on a free transfer. The Eagles believe Johnson is highly unlikely to stay with West Ham beyond the summer.

Johnson was linked with a move to Leeds United in January, but the transfer never materialised.

Despite not being a regular starter, Johnson has proven himself as a dependable utility player under David Moyes. He has played effectively in various defensive positions and even featured in more attacking roles this season.

West Ham’s chances of convincing Johnson to stay seem slim. The club may be forced to accept losing the versatile defender for free this summer.

Whether it is his agent turning the young mans head or he is genuinely unhappy, it will be a shame to see him go

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Moyes bullish ahead of daunting task

In yesterdays pre match press conference , David Moyes still believes that the Irons can bring an end to Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak, which has seen Xabi Alonso’s side end Bayern Munich’s era of dominance in the Bundesliga.

Moyes tells fans to support Phillips_David Moyes_Press_Conference

Moyes still believes !

 

He went on to say..

‘You have to say we went to Leverkusen and it got to the 83rd minute before they scored the first goal. It might take us that long before we can do it, but we have to have that patience and that level of trying to find a way of winning the game, or certainly getting a couple of goals in front at the end of 90 minutes,’ Moyes explained in his pre-match press conference.

‘We’ll try to do it, we’ll do everything we can, but we have to be mindful of how we do it and not be over-exposed. We did a job at Leverkusen for long periods, but obviously we couldn’t quite see it through.’

‘I think we should give them respect. We’ll do our best on Thursday night to not give them too much, but ultimately they deserve the respect because of the results.’

‘Normally, it’s towards the end of the season that the biggest games come,’ . ‘If you’re playing big games at the end of the season it means you’ve been relatively successful because you’ve got to play good teams [to keep progressing].’

‘When you’re getting words like quarter-finals, semi-finals, it’s exciting. Obviously the final is what you want to get to, and win it, but you have to go through the process to get there. It will be a difficult, difficult game, but one we’ve got belief that we can find a way to try and make it.’

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West Ham Target £25m Striker as Antonio Replacement

West Ham United are reportedly set to prioritise the signing of a new centre-forward this summer, with Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri once again emerging as the leading target.

David Moyes acknowledges the need for a long-term solution to replace the aging Antonio. The 34-year-old Jamaican remains a crucial part of Moyes’ system, but his declining fitness levels necessitate a successor.

West Ham are prepared to make a £25 million bid for the 26-year-old Moroccan striker, according to reports from Diario de Sevilla. En-Nesyri boasts a strong track record, having scored 68 goals in 189 appearances for Sevilla. This translates to a better goal-to-game ratio than Antonio’s record with West Ham.

West Ham fans are already familiar with En-Nesyri, having faced him during the 2021/22 Europa League campaign. Moyes himself has been tracking the striker since January 2021.

En-Nesyri’s work ethic, channel running, aerial prowess, and technical ability are all qualities that align perfectly with West Ham’s attacking style. He provides a significant upgrade on Antonio’s limitations.

With a reported £25 million price tag, the transfer seems feasible for the Hammers. If successful, this acquisition could propel West Ham to a new level as a team.

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Out of Europe: Rice should have stayed at West Ham

Declan Rice and Gooners dumped out of Europe 

Maybe Declan Rice should have stayed at West Ham? Poor old Dec has departed The London Stadium with a European winners medal around his neck but may now be facing a trophyless season following his £105 million move to Arsenal.

I’m joking, of course, well, half-joking at least. I’m sure the former Hammers captain is delighted with his move to North London. Unfortunately for the Gunners, they have been knocked out of the Champions League by a Harry Kane-led Bayern Munich – ouch!

This will be new territory for Rice, who is used to reaching the semi-finals of European football at the very least at West Ham. He could, of course, win the Premier League title for the first time, with Arsenal poised in second place, having lost 2-0 to Aston Villa last weekend.

Declan Rice-European trophy

Out of Europe: Declan Rice can at least console himself with the fact that he is already a European champion

Rice is a fine player who I’m sure will have a glittering career. He’s already captained England and I’m sure will wear the armband at Arsenal one day. It was a bad night for Rice and Arsenal, but it was possibly a worse night for English football in general.

The Gunners’ defeat to Tomas Tuchel’s men, as well as Manchester City’s loss on penalties to Real Madrid, is bad news for the Premier League. The UEFA coefficient standings mean it’s highly unlikely England will be offered an additional European place next season unless West Ham and Liverpool can turn around deficits in their Europa League quarter-finals.

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Possible line ups

West Ham United face a daunting task in their Europa League second leg against Bayer Leverkusen, with a string of injuries casting a shadow over their preparations.

19-year-old George Earthy, who made his Premier League debut against Fulham, suffered a worrying head injury after colliding with teammate Edson Alvarez. While he’s thankfully out of the hospital, he’ll be unavailable for tonights crucial match.

Lucas Paqueta and Emerson Palmieri are also out due to suspensions, further hampering David Moyes‘ options. Defender Dinos Mavropanos is also a doubt after struggling to finish the last two games.

In stark contrast, Leverkusen has just one injury concern – striker Adam Hlozek. They boast a strong attacking line with Boniface and Patrik Schick, while the highly-rated Florian Wirtz is expected to return after his impressive hat-trick as a substitute.

Manager Xabi Alonso has a wealth of talent to choose from, with the potential return of full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo adding firepower. Exequiel Palacios could also replace Robert Andrich in midfield.

West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Fabianski; Zouma, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Coufal, Alvarez, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Johnson; Kudus, Antonio

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:
Hradecky; Kossounou, Tah, Stanisic; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Adli; Boniface