West Ham United were brilliant last season as they finished 7th on the table and secured Europa League qualification. Slaven Bilic could barely have wished for a better first season in charge. West Ham will move into the Olympic Stadium with European football and plenty of optimism. Playing with a no fear attitude, his side only lost eight games in the Premier League, with only three of those at The Boleyn Ground. West Ham have entertained their fans in a manner which had disappeared under Big Sam. Bilic proved to be the perfect appointment as he brought the fans closer to the team with a more entertaining approach.
Dimitri Payet was arguably the Premier League signing of the season and had he not missed some period due to an injury, West Ham may have even been able to challenge for Champions League football. Bilic has a very talented squad but he must be aware that without some quality reinforcements this summer, his could go backwards rather forward. His most urgent duty will be making sure that Payet stays put at the club, something the player himself has assured. But there are still some weaknesses in the team that will need to be looked at before the season kicks off on August 13th. Here is the list of three players that West Ham need to sign, but most probably won’t.
Gonzalo Higuain
It is not secret that West Ham desperately searching for top quality striker who can complement the likes of Payet and Lanzini from up front. Higuain is one of the most inform strikers in Europe, however that will also mean that he will not come cheap. If reports are to be believed, the Hammers are planning an audacious £60 million bid for the Napoli man. However it is very unlikely that Bilic will spend such an exuberant amount on one player, especially given the fact the quality his squad has in the attacking third.
Alexandre Lacazette
Another striker who has been linked with a host of top clubs this summer. With Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG all involved in a bidding war, it will take a mammoth bid from West Ham to lure the striker to the Olympic Stadium. However a few days ago, West Ham’s bid was rejected by Lyon. Which might lead to dwindling of interest in him, enabling the Hammers to look somewhere for a star forward.
Juan Mata
Mata is again in danger of losing his place in the United team, after the appointment of Jose Mourinho. The same coach who showed him the exit door at Chelsea after he was deemed surplus to requirements. If the Spanish midfielder does join West Ham it will be an excellent signing. However looking at his previous employers, one feels that he will be most likely tempted to join a Champions League club. Something West Ham might find difficult to offer.