Julen Lopetegui made a splash in the summer transfer window with West Ham United, bringing in nine new players and overseeing a significant squad overhaul.
The new manager’s summer business was marked by ruthless efficiency, and while nine players arrived, an equal number departed, many on loan deals.
Lopetegui’s summer reshuffle was not just about adding new talent; he also managed to retain key figures such as Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Paqueta.
This was a crucial aspect of the transfer window, as Director of Football Tim Steidten had promised to keep the club’s star trio, and Lopetegui’s success in this regard has been a significant boost for West Ham’s future ambitions.
The summer transfer activity has certainly excited West Ham fans, who are eager to see how the new arrivals will integrate into the team.
The general sentiment among supporters is positive, with Lopetegui earning praise for his recruitment strategy. However, there are some reservations and discussions about the new signings.
In a recent survey conducted by The Athletic, West Ham fans were asked to rate the new arrivals. The results highlighted two standout signings and two that have not impressed as much.
Max Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were identified as the top signings, receiving 47.4% and 41.5% of the votes respectively. Their performances have clearly resonated well with fans.
In contrast, Luis Guilherme and Wes Foderingham received negligible support, indicating that many supporters view them as less impactful signings.
Guilherme, in particular, might still prove his worth over time, while Foderingham’s role seems more about squad depth and training support rather than immediate contribution.
Carlos Soler’s absence from the survey reflects his limited impact so far, making it unfair to judge him at this stage. Despite the mixed reviews, the consensus is that Lopetegui’s business was overall successful, with a solid rating of 8.5/10 from fans.
The club’s future looks promising with Lopetegui in charge, and there is optimism that the new signings will eventually deliver on their potential.
The key now is patience. As the season progresses, the true value of each signing will become clearer, and if Lopetegui’s vision continues to take shape, West Ham United could be on the cusp of a very successful era.