Antonio axed for £30m signing in West Ham’s dream XI after January. West Ham United might well need some January reinforcements to bolster their survival hopes in the Premier League this season. It has been a poor campaign so far for Julen Lopetegui’s side, and they sit 14th in the Premier League so far, having racked up just 12 points.
Already, the transfer rumours have begun to fly around for exactly who the Hammers could recruit over the January transfer window. It certainly seems as though Lopetegui will need to add depth to his squad as they continue to fight relegation.
With that in mind, here is a look at West Ham’s dream XI if the East Londoners manage to sign some of their rumoured January targets.
1. GK – Lukas Fabianski
At 39 years of age, It seemed as though Lukas Fabianski’s Hammers career was over. The Polish goalkeeper was second choice for much of the past two seasons to French World Cup winner Alphonse Areola.
However, he has managed to displace the former Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain shot-stopper in the side this season. He has started the last three Premier League games, keeping a clean sheet last time out, and seems set to continue in that role after the international break.
2 RB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka
One of several summer signings for the Hammers, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has impressed for the Hammers at the start of his career in East London. The 26-year-old has played 11 times for the club this season, following his £15m move from Manchester United.
Football presenter Dougie Critchley described him as the Hammers’ “best summer signing”, which is impressive given he was one of nine new additions. It seems more than likely that he will keep his place in the side.
3. CB – Jean-Clair Todibo
Another new addition last summer was Jean-Clair Todibo, who made a loan move from French side OGC Nice, which can become permanent. The defender has impressed since moving to London, making eight Premier League appearances so far.
His ball-playing skills make him a fantastic option at the heart of the Hammers’ defence. Todibo averages a pass completion rate of 89.4% as per FBref this season, better than any of his teammates who average at least one full 90 minute game.
4. CB – Max Kilman
Like his centre-back partner in this proposed team, Max Kilman was another summer signing, joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He has been a pivotal player at the heart of the defence at the London Stadium this season.
The 27-year-old has completed 90 minutes in every single game this term and has been colossal at the back. His 64 clearances and 16 blocks in the top flight are more than any of his new teammates so far.
5. LB – Jayden Oosterwolde
Fenerbahce defender Jayden Oosterwolde
The first proposed new signing in this dream West Ham XI is Jayden Oosterwolde. The East Londoners have been linked with the Fenerbahce defender as per Turkish reports via Sport Witness, and he could cost a fee of around £16.7m.
The 23-year-old Dutchman, who can also play at centre-back, could replace first-choice left-back Emerson. This term, the defender has played eight times, although is currently sidelined with an injury. He was compared to versatile French defender Lucas Hernandez by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
For just £16.7m, this could be a bargain for the Hammers as they look to sure things up at the back, having conceded 19 goals this term.
6. CM – Guido Rodriguez
West Ham midfielder Guido Rodriguez
Experienced World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez is the first midfielder in this Hammers lineup. He has featured in all 11 of their top-flight games this term, providing defensive nous and allowing others the licence to get forwards.
He certainly does his job well. Rodriguez has made 36 ball recoveries and 35 tackles and interceptions this term. In the latter metric, he is bettered by just one player in the Hammers squad. He seems a crucial player under Lopetegui now.
7. CM – Andy Diouf
The second proposed addition to the Hammers in January is midfielder Andy Diouf. The France under-23 international currently plays at RC Lens and has performed to a high level. GiveMeSport suggest that he is a target for West Ham, as well as London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace
