While the UK transfer market closed at 7pm on September 1, West Ham could still sign free agents, provided they have enough room in their squad.
Graham Potter facing vital few weeks at West Ham
It’s an increasingly toxic atmosphere around the London Stadium right now, as supporters organise pre-match protests against West Ham’s owners before their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday, and every Saturday home matchday thereafter (The Telegraph).
David Sullivan and Karren Brady are under mounting pressure as fans voice their frustration over ‘broken promises’ (The Telegraph), with some reports suggesting that under-fire boss Graham Potter could even be sacked if West Ham lose to Palace (Hammers News).
|
Worst West Ham managers in the Premier League |
Win percentage |
|---|---|
|
9. Sam Allardyce |
30.7% |
|
10. Julen Lopetegui |
30% |
|
11. Gianfranco Zola |
27.8% |
|
12, Graham Potter |
27.3% |
|
13. Avram Grant |
18.9% |
|
via StatMuse |
|
While this is yet to be backed up by reliable media sources, it is crystal clear that, if West Ham’s bad run of form continues, Potter could be handed his P45 as West Ham scour the market for potential replacements already.
It is believed that Slaven Bilic is a strong contender to replace Potter as the Hammers do their due-diligence on managerial candidates, with former Everton boss Sean Dyche and Nuno Espírito Santo also under consideration (Ben Jacobs).
It wasn’t exactly the summer window of dreams for Potter, either, which certainly hasn’t helped matters.
West Ham lost winger Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham in the summer, as well as Emerson Palmieri to Marseille, with their £38 million deal for Mateus Fernandes arguably standing out as their best signing of the window.
Having waved goodbye to Emerson and Aaron Cresswell, Sullivan brought in Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf to shore up Potter’s full-back options, but they’re still arguably light in that area.
Taking this into account, reports suggest that West Ham could now move for ex-Tottenham and Real Madrid full-back Sergio Reguilon — who is readily available on a free transfer after departing north London.
The 28-year-old boasts proven top-level experience, with the Irons apparently considering a move.
West Ham seriously interested in signing Sergio Reguilon on a free transfer
According to Spanish media sources, West Ham are seriously interested in signing Reguilon on a free transfer, even if he’s “sought-after” right now amid competition from Premier League rivals Everton.
The ex-Man United defender, who earned admirers at Old Trafford for some solid performances, is also wanted by Sevilla and Real Sociedad back in his homeland, with a quartet of sides considering the possibility of Reguilon at zero cost.
Despite spending the last few years attempting to establish himself as a key player, Reguilon has displayed flashes of quality, and at 28, he’s amassed well over 200 professional appearances.
He’s hardly past his prime, but carries the top-flight experience which could prove useful to West Ham as they look to avoid a relegation dogfight.
“He was the standout for me, he had so much drive going forward,” former Leeds striker Noel Whelan said to Football Insider in 2021, after Reguilon’s Man of the Match display against Leeds that year.
“I’ve been an admirer of Reguilon for some time. He really stamped his authority on the game and grabbed the winner to show what a quality player he is.”
