A little short of two years after helping to build the side that clinched their first top-flight title in 30 years. West Ham United embarked on an enormous £120 million spending spree to improve their squad for the summer of 2023. Bolstered massively by the board, the Hammers aimed for a top-six finish and a shot at European football come next season. Expectations rose with former Real Madrid and Spain manager David Moyes in charge. Which ended up paying off in the end or did it, can West Ham breach their lofty goals.
The Transfer Market Overhaul
It was not quite West Ham’s biggest spending spree in recent time. They splashed out £120million for example on the likes of Issa Diop, Pablo Fornals and Sebastien Haller over 2018 and 2019. The club also signed James Ward-Prowse, Mohammed Kudus and Edson Álvarez to provide more depth in the significant area of the ground. In midfield, set-piece specialist Ward-Prowse added bite and creativity, as did Kudus. In the field, Álvarez was identified as the right partner for his protection of the defensive line.
West Ham’s summer business illustrated the Hammers ambition to increase their squad strength and try and break into the top 10 in the Premier League. The intent was obvious: construct a side that could challenge for European qualification.
Moyes Man-management and Tactics Transition
The high level of managerial experience found in David Moyes was charged with taking the team forward to possibly secure European football. Moyes is a man who has always prided himself on his meticulousness and tactical aptitude. He had previously overseen a fantastic 2020-21 season in which West Ham finished 6th to grab a Europa League spot.
But 2022-2023 was a season where the Hammers fell short of their target to secure European places. West Ham’s league form was patchy, despite winning the Europa Conference League. Critics then began to question Moyes’ ability to get the team over the line, putting pressure on his future. A £120 million outlay on reinforcements of questionable value was a sign. That vogue for backing the manager (like every vogue) leads to waste, but also an acceptance significant. This that funds would, in future at least, be found from somewhere and somehow for a first-team squad capable of living outside the relegation struggle.
Early Season Troubles
West Ham- The start to the 2023-2024 season has been a mixed bag for West Ham. The new signings have had been promising but adjusting to the Premier League and gelling with their team has evidently taken time. The likes of Ward-Prowse have brought a new level of creativity, while Álvarez has done well in midfield. Kudus on the other is still getting used to his new role in attack.
With those bright spots also come some struggles for the Brewers. Defensive lapses have lost West Ham precious points, while their inconsistency in front of goal continues to punish them. The squad has at times looked world class, but the big question is probably whether they can keep that up over a long season.
Can Europe Still be an Ambition?
Trials and Tribulations 88 West Ham — Season 2023-24 Finishing Position: thigh | Current league position: 8 races to go as none apply in pre-season League Progress European goal for the season ahead is clear some of us are not even sure we belong here and almost no one expects us to repeat that, but surely nobody can argue with the target. The Europa League and Conference League berths are still the ultimate goal but cracking the Premier League’s top six has proved difficult. The problem is, they are not alone – Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool are all chasing the same few positions.
There is every reason to be excited about West Ham and their European aspirations, even in spite of this blip. Quality is in the group and with Moyes’ tactical nous then there’s plenty still to be achieved in a top-eight finish. But the team has to become more consistent, particularly in high-pressure situations.
European spot an ‘important impact factor’
Qualification for Europe could help West Ham substantially in terms of finances for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. This is the reason why a place in the Europa League or even worse still, the Champions League can make one a few million from prize money to ticket sales and sponsorship deals. The Spanish giants would be better off selling the former Chelsea goalkeeper for a high price considering that they could use the money to re-invest in their squad and improve even more in the next window.
Yet the rewards are significant as failure to reach Europe means another season playing second tier football for the club. Failure to qualify for Europe is a heavy financial blow which could result in being more conservative in future transfer markets.
Summary: Can West Ham United Go All The Way?
This is where the investment comes in — can West Ham spend £120 million this summer effectively and benefit from Moyes’ leadership? A European chase is in the offing after a summer that brought new signings, but United need to find consistency and cut out costly mistakes. The road to securing European football is fraught, but West Ham’s plan is straightforward. What happens over the coming months could well decide whether or not they achieve that aim and qualify for Europe next term.
But the question still stands: can West Ham United become a top 6 team in the Premier League and sustain their push into European places? West Ham are only time-wasters, but the foundations for a bright future are most definitely in place.
