5 Stars Who Will Face The Axe At West Ham And Their Suitable Replacements

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that West Ham United are in shambles this season in the Premier League. After finishing 8^th last season, a lot of things were expected from Slaven Bilic and his men this term, but close to halfway into the season, the Hammers are struggling in the bottom-half of the table and are most likely to be involved in the battle for survival in the English top-flight.

And due to the extremely poor start to the season, it is believed that the West London outfit are planning a huge clear-out in the winter transfer window. The morale around the London Stadium seems to be pretty gloomy after the summer signings have all flopped miserably and are set to be shown the exit door less than six months into their West Ham careers.

Here we compile a list of five players who are most likely to face the axe and we pick a player who could probably replace them in Bilic’s squad:

5. Simone Zaza

The striker on loan from Juventus came in with big expectations, but never got going for the Hammers. His performances were uninspiring and devoid of confidence as he struggled big time to adapt to the Premier League. Having featured 9 times this season, the Italian has not scored a single goal nor has made a single assist for West Ham.

So, it comes as no surprise that West Ham are looking to sever ties with the 25-year old and send him back to Juventus as early as possible, with negotiations already underway.

Daniel Sturridge has been identified as the man to take up the goal-scoring mantle for West Ham and has been linked with a move to London from Liverpool in the winter transfer window. The Englishman has struggled to break into the playing XI this season and with his proven record and experience in the Premier League, he will be the ideal man to take over as the main striker for Slaven Bilic.

4. Gokhan Tore

The Turkish winger, signed on loan from Super Lig side Besiktas, has been the most disappointing of all the new signings. The 24-year old has been very poor and injuries did not help his cause. He has played only 5 times for the Hammers in the Premier League and has just a single assist to show in return for his appearances.

His inability to adjust to the new environment and the poor displays have most certainly sealed a premature return to his parent club.

That would leave West Ham with just Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio as the natural options on the wings. Kamil Grosicki is one player who has been linked with a move to London in the past and he could prove to be a smart signing for the Hammers. Playing for Rennes in the French Ligue 1, 28-year old Grosicki has had a strong start to the season, having scored 4 times and assisted a further three goals. The Polish winger may not be a star name, but could certainly prove to be value for money if West Ham convince him to move to West London.

3. Alvaro Arbeloa

 

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid was snapped up by Slaven Bilic for free after he was released by the Los Blancos. However, age seems to have caught up with the Spaniard, relegating him to only 3 Premier League appearances, two of which have been from the bench, since his move in the summer.

The 33-year old came out in the press recently, claiming that he will see out his contract till the summer, but according to recent reports West Ham are looking to pay-off Arbeloa and release him from his contract as early as January.

West Ham are pretty slim in choices for right-back with Sam Byram the only recognised option, which has prompted Bilic to use Michail Antonio on the right-side of defence. But reinforcements are needed in this area if they are to avoid the drop and one player who could prove to be a good addition at right-back is Carl Jenkinson who could return for a third loan-spell.

The Arsenal defender spent the past two seasons on loan at West Ham and had given a good account of himself during that time. But having returned to his parent club, he has struggled to make into the first team squad with Hector Bellerin irreplaceable at right-back and Gabriel used as a makeshift option ahead of him. Jenkinson has only played once for the Gunners in the league and could be tempted with the opportunity for regular playing time.

2. Sofiane Feghouli

Another summer addition to the squad, Feghouli arrived on a free from Valencia, with great promise. It was supposed to be a statement signing for West Ham, bringing in a player who in the past had been linked with a move to Manchester United. But things haven’t gone the way they were expected at all. The 26-year old has played 5 times in the league so far and has no goals or assists to his name.

Feghouli has struggled to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League and could very well see his time in England come to an end rather abruptly with Bilic keen to release the Algerian from his contract.

Memphis Depay could prove to be an able alternative for West Ham and Bilic to look at if they are to replace Feghouli in January. The Dutchman has had a poor year and a half at Manchester United and has sparingly featured under Jose Mourinho this season. He is most likely set to depart Old Trafford very soon, with Everton touted to be his next destination. But West Ham could make a move for the winger and with the guarantee of regular first-team football Memphis might consider a move.

1. Jonathan Calleri

Another loan signing, 23-year old Jonathan Calleri has had absolutely no impact whatsoever, after making a move from Uruguayan side Deportivo Maldonado in the summer. The Argentine has featured 6 times for the Hammers this season in the English top division but hasn’t scored or assisted a single goal.

The striker admitted facing difficulties to get used to the new environment and the style of play, and having not featured in the league since the end of October, there is a very high probability that Calleri will return to his parent club very soon.

West Ham will obviously need to bring in a replacement and Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson could be the way to go for Bilic and the Hammers. The Cherries forward, who has been in the eyes of the Londoners has scored 5 times in 16 appearances so far in the league, and if combined with the service of Payet, Wilson could become the source of goals that the Hammers are so craving for this term.