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West Ham will prioritise pace when they strengthen their squad in the summer.
Now that Premier League safety is assured, the board, manager Slaven Bilic and head of recruitment Tony Henry have begun planning for next season, with the emphasis on signing mobile players who will increase the tempo of the team.
Apart from Michail Antonio, who is out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, there is a lack of lightning pace in the squad and Bilic will be looking to rectify that situation, especially with the bigger pitch at London Stadium in mind.
The playing surface is 105m x 68m, which is almost five metres longer than it was at the club’s previous home, the Boleyn Ground.
West Ham’s players, while finding it difficult initially, have gradually adjusted to their new environment and last Friday’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham was, arguably, their best all-round team performance since they moved there last summer.
Against Tottenham, Bilic’s team managed to get behind the visitors’ defence on occasions but, again, their lack of real pace let them down.
So, quick offensive players are what are required by the Hammers — and preferably those who have Premier League experience.
Southampton’s Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long, who was on the club’s radar last summer, could again become a target, while another player who would fit the bill is Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi.
West Ham looked favourites to sign the Belgian international last year after offering his then club Marseille £30million. Crystal Palace joined the race with an increased offer of £31.5m but the 23-year-old striker finally joined Chelsea for £33.2m. Batshuayi’s opportunities have been limited — all 17 of his Premier League appearances have come off the bench — and the Stamford Bridge club could be prepared to let him go this summer, probably on a loan deal.
The experiment of playing Antonio in a wide, defensive position proved a failure, while their only other specialised right-back, Sam Byram, has been plagued with injury.
The future of West Ham goalkeeper Adrian also remains uncertain. Although restored to being first-choice goalkeeper and playing well, his contract expires this summer and several La Liga clubs are interested in signing the Spaniard.
Adrian has intimated that he wants to stay but with assurances that he will remain the No1.
West Ham have been linked with a move for Manchester City’s Joe Hart, who is on loan at Torino.
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