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Alex Kral bude skvělým přírůstkem do týmu a skvělým spoluhráčem pro Vladimíra Coufala a Tomáše Součka, kteří jsou po mnoho let nejlepšími novými hráči ve West Hamu. Ať jste během svého pobytu v Londýně šťastná a prosperující a neměňte prosím svůj úžasný účes. Všichni se těšíme, až vás uvidíme hrát za tým.
Hodně štěstí Alexi!COYI!!!
It's been a good transfer window for West ham with the arrival of a number of quality signings. David Moyes vowed to only bring in players who would push for starting places in the side and with Vlasic, Kral and Zouma has delivered.
And now he has 12 days to ponder on his starting eleven as the International break means that the Hammers next outing is on September 11th at Southampton.
The game against Palace ended with a sense of two points lost and in retrospect both of Conor Gallagher's goals were poorly defended against with our defensive midfielders nowhere in sight when you couls argue that they should have been tracking Gallagher.
In addition, Craig Dawson was too easily turned for both games, while Angelo Ogbonna is still getting up to speed. As such, it won't be any surprise if Zouma is thrown straight into the mix, with Dawson the likely loser.
In midfield the situation is much more complex as Moyes now has the option of playing a more cagey midfield with Kral and Rice in holding roles with Soucek being loosened up to play in a more forward role.
The Hammers also need to look at set pieces as we have gone from a fearsome unit where opponents were terrified about conceding corners, to a much less threatening side. The delivery is one factor, but also the Rice, Antonio, Soucek, Dawson threat seems to be less well co-ordinated. We can expect Zouma to bolster this with his aerial prowess.
As for Nikola Vlasic, we can expect that Moyes will initially stay loyal to the effective unit of Bowen, Fornals and Benrahma, but Vlasic will be looking to get some game time in the final 15-20 minutes to show what he can do and to that end we might see a more timely and assertive use of substitutions by Moyes in coming games.
Either way, our options have greatly increased!
COYI!!!
With 90 minutes left in the transfer window it's squeaky-bum time for many clubs ss they try to bring in much needed reinforcements while also holding on to their key players.
Declan Rice stalled negotiations on a new contract beyond 2024 waiting to see if West ham were going to match his ambition and so far that appears to be the case with the signings of Zouma, Vlasic and Kral Hammers fans can be happy that they have brought in players likely to push for places in the starting XI.
A striker would be the cherry to top their transfer window cake and many fans are hoping that a last ditch deal can bring in back up for Michail Antonio.
Otherwise, they have successfully staved off attempts to prise club captain Declan Rice from their ranks but as the picture above demonstrates, they need to beware of the brute force and determination of the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd.
Fingers crossed for one more signing - a striker - and no unwanted departures.
It's looking like Messrs Gold and Sullivan have done well today and strengthened the team for a busy season ahead!
It's almost 5pm and the excitement is building. Here's an update on Hammers-related transfer deadline day news...
Nico Vlasic: This deal looks all but done and seems like good business as at 23 years old and after two excellent seasons at CSKA Moscow, he looks ready to return to the Premiership. Both skillful and physical, he would suit the current Hammers squad where Moyes likes a bit of bite and energy. This deal looks 90% certain to go through as he is reportedly on his way to sign on the dotted line.
Nicolas Tagliafico: the Ajax left back has been a surprise latecomer to the possible 'in' list. The 28 year old has 33 caps for Argentina and would bring competition at left back. The reported fee of £12 million seems like a good deal but he is in South America at present and we suspect this one won't happen unless other signings falter.
Gaetan Laborde: Montpellier are clearly happy to let him go for circa £15 million but it is unclear whether West ham really see him as the solution to their back up striker issue. Although a 'proper' striker, he can play out wide and would seem to fit well to the Moyes rotating front line system. We rate this one at less than 50% likelihood of completion.
Jesse Lingard: the £15 million deal is apparently now stalling due to 'family reasons'Lingard but tellingly kept apartment in East London over the Summer. Sunday's game at Wolves emphasised his position at Man Utd and with Ronaldo arriving may not even make the matchday squad as the season progresses. We reckon this will finally get over the line at the last moment!
Ruben Loftus Cheek - the energetic midfielder could reignite his career under Headmaster Moyes but the loan deal with Chelsea is rumoured to cost £10 million which seems excessive. There may be some last minute shuffling of figures as his opportunities in a packed Chelsea squad are slim.
Conor Coventry to Peterborough game time but disappointing given his pre-season performances and need for player depth for the Europa League. Given the likely involvement of Rice and Soucek for their respective countries, and Mark Noble's slowing with age, letting Coventry go seems a poor decision
Could there be late exits for Yarmolenko, Lanzini or Randolph, all of whom look to have limited contributions to make in the coming season but have huge wages?
Nico Vlasic: This deal looks all but done and seems like good business as at 23 years old and after two excellent seasons at CSKA Moscow, he looks ready to return to the Premiership. Both skillful and physical, he would suit the current Hammers squad where Moyes likes a bit of bite and energy. This deal looks 90% certain to go through as he is reportedly on his way to sign on the dotted line.
Nicolas Tagliafico: the Ajax left back has been a surprise latecomer to the possible 'in' list. The 28 year old has 33 caps for Argentina and would bring competition at left back. The reported fee of £12 million seems like a good deal but he is in South America at present and we suspect this one won't happen unless other signings falter.
Gaetan Laborde: Montpellier are clearly happy to let him go for circa £15 million but it is unclear whether West ham really see him as the solution to their back up striker issue. Although a 'proper' striker, he can play out wide and would seem to fit well to the Moyes rotating front line system. We rate this one at less than 50% likelihood of completion.
Jesse Lingard: the £15 million deal is apparently now stalling due to 'family reasons'Lingard but tellingly kept apartment in East London over the Summer. Sunday's game at Wolves emphasised his position at Man Utd and with Ronaldo arriving may not even make the matchday squad as the season progresses. We reckon this will finally get over the line at the last moment!
Ruben Loftus Cheek - the energetic midfielder could reignite his career under Headmaster Moyes but the loan deal with Chelsea is rumoured to cost £10 million which seems excessive. There may be some last minute shuffling of figures as his opportunities in a packed Chelsea squad are slim.
Conor Coventry to Peterborough game time but disappointing given his pre-season performances and need for player depth for the Europa League. Given the likely involvement of Rice and Soucek for their respective countries, and Mark Noble's slowing with age, letting Coventry go seems a poor decision
Could there be late exits for Yarmolenko, Lanzini or Randolph, all of whom look to have limited contributions to make in the coming season but have huge wages?
In a market that has been thin on available strikers West ham have signaled their intentions with a bold move today.
Desperately needing back up for Michail Antonio, the Hammers signed a new contract with starlet Mipo Odubeko and then promptly sent him on loan to Huddersfield!
While that might seem crazy given the lads potential and the need for an understudy to Antonio, it indicates that the club must be confident of bringing in a second striker before the transfer window closes at 11pm tomorrow.
Odubeko made the first team squad on 18 occasions last year, highlighting how close he is to making the big breakthrough. The domestic cup and Europa League games would surely have been opportunities for him to push on with game time but he is obviously not seen as needed just yet for the first team. His departure creates space for incoming players.
The club have been quiet about their dealings and must surely be about to spring a surprise. With so many clubs hurting financially due to loss of revenue, who knows what players might come up for a last minute deal?
One thing is for sure, failure to bring in a second striker would be foolish in the extreme given the expanded fixture list Moyes' men face with Europa league action.
It's hotting up!
COYI!!!
Definition: a striker is the player positioned closet to the opposition’s goal. The striker is responsible for scoring goals for their team and staying in space to allow other players to pass to them and create goal-scoring opportunities.
As West ham enter the final 24 hours of the transfer the biggest question on fans lips is whether they will recruit a back uo striker for the injury-prone Michail Antonio.
After a Summer of rumours, time is running out and the latest news is far from positive for the Hammers with long term target Abdallah Sima looking set for Brighton, while Gaetan Laborde looks like to move to another French side from Montpellier.
And now the rumours are that Moyes and co are looking to bring in the ageing (and not very prolific) Salomon Rondon, who has been autumning in China of late!
It's all pretty depressing with some fans remarking that West ham may be the only top flight club with just a single out and out striker! Hardly the stuff of success and a bizarre oversight given how strong the side is elsewhere!
Fingers crossed, but that clock is ticking!
As we enter the business end of the transfer window in earnest things are hotting up for West ham.
The long running saga of Jesse Lingard's future will soon be concluded but with news that (1) Niko Vlasic is close to signing, and (2) reports that David Moyes has met with Jesse Lingard, it's hard not to sense that there is a game of bluff going on.
Vlasic is just 23 and has greatly matured since his disappointing spell at Everton a few years back and has won player of the year in the Russian league to underline his considerable potential. His craft and pace would fit in well with the Moyes counterattacking system.
However, Lingard has proven that he can deliver in Moyes set up and at 28 still has a few years left on the clock. With just a year left on his Man Utd contract a fee of £15million is reasonable business and it seems unlikely that he will get much first team action under Solksjaer with the arrival of Sancho and Ronaldo.
All of which raises the question - are the Hammers preparing to sign both players? With Europa League action added to this year's mix Moyes needs back up and both Yarmolenko and Lanzini are the wrong side of career changing injuries.
We could see a stampede of activity - both in and out over the coming days...for example, could Yarmo be offered to CSKA as part payment for Vlasic?
Meanwhile, we still need a striker. It is simply crazy to not have back up for Antonio and will almost certainly catch up on the club as the season progresses. Moreover, the current set up with just one striker surely adds to the attractiveness of West ham for an up and coming talent?
GSB have learned from previous campaigns to keep business out of the media eye, adding to the sense of uncertainty.
Buckle up, it's about to get crazy!
It's all kicking off as West ham look to boost their squad ahead of what promises to be one of the most exciting campaigns in our history.
With the arrival of Kurt Zouma to toughen central defence, all eyes are now on the offence where there seems to be serious activity around signing promising Croation Niko Vlasic, bring back Jesse Lingard and maybe also Gaetan Laborde as back up for Michail Antonio.
Vlasic 'enjoyed' a misfiring spell at Everton as a 19 year old but has subsequently matured into a serious presence at CSKA Moscow and looks ready to make a big impact if he returns to the Premiership.
The Lingard situation gets crazier by the day but in many respects is quite simple - he would be mad not to return to West ham rather than, at best, bench warm at Man United. The lad needs to play and that will happen at West ham.
Laborde looks like a decent addition as he has the energy and power that any back up for Antonio should have. At 27, he is worth a punt and will undoubtedly get game time as Moyes tries to manage Michail's injury issues.
If all three arrive then West ham are serious contenders to push for a top four Premiership spot as well as a decent assault on the Europa League. If not, watching the inevitable toll of a thin squad will be harsh on Moyes who has really got something going at West ham.
Its time to speculate to accumulate. Two out of these three would be good. All three and we are truly in business!
COYI!!!
TOP OF THE LEAGUE
and on fire!
The London stadium felt like, dare i say it, Upton Park!
There's so much to like about the team right now - wise heads that make good decisions on the ball, solid defence, a midfield to die for and a forward line that has more movement than i've ever seen in a Hammers side.
And, of course, the gift that is Michail Antonio - passion, power, skill and comedy!
Even Schoolmaster Moyes looked kinda smug!!!
What an advertisement for new players as we enter the business end of the transfer window - a happy happy team and boy did the stadium really rock tonight!
Happy days!
COYI.
Shocking events unfolded this evening as Olympique Marseille travelled to local rivals Nice for a Ligue 1 clash.
Nice took the lead at the beginning of the second half in a match that was tense on field but boiling over in the stands. As the final quarter began Payet was struck by a bottle as he prepared to take a corner and then proceded to indiscriminatingly fling the missile back into the Nice supporters, sparking an ugly pitch invasion!
Payet's response ignited the stadium and was followed by a full on Donnybrook! As fans, players and coaching staff traded blows the game was called off amidst scenes of total chaos. In one scene, a member of the coaching staff floored an ultra with a wicked right hook!
It's great to have fans back but this was well beyond anything that might be considered acceptable behaviour. For Payet, although he was provoked, his actions will surely see him once again in mighty hot water!
Let's hope folk get home from the game safe and sound as it looked pretty wild as the players left the pitch.
There has been much speculation about potential striking recruits for West ham with an ever longer list of 'suitable' players suggested in the media.
However, when you step back one player stands out as a near perfect fit for the Hammers - Odsonne Edouard.
Here are five reasons why he should be on his way to West ham by this time next week.
1. He really is a striker. Not an 'attacking midfielder' or 'wide playing forward' but a proper striker. His strike rate at Celtic with 76 goals in 147 matches gives a scoring rate of 0.52 goals per game which, although it isn't in the Premiership, is in a league where a similar style of football is played such that the transition should be relatively easy.
2. He would be an ideal understudy to Michail Antonio. Mikey is not a natural striker but has intelligently dedicated himself to continually improving his game. He does not just rely on his physicality as his positioning and link up play is clever and he would be a fantastic asset for Edouard as the 23 year old continues to develop his skillset.
3. Even better for an incoming striker, Antonio needs to manage his game time due to his hamstring issues which means Edouard would not just be warming the bench.
4. He's ready to leave Celtic now as he has won everything in Scottish footy. With one year left on his contract Celtic are realistic about the likelihood of him moving on and want to cash in. A fee of £15 is bandied about which would work for the Hammers and having jettisoned Felipe Anderson they would have funds to cover his wage demands.
5. He's a likeable upbeat guy! This may sound fatuous but Moyes focuses upon bringing in players who will fit in and are keen to work hard and enjoy their football. It's no coincidence that the current Hammers squad are the happiest in the league and Odsonne looks like he would fit in well. Also, having spent time in Glasgee, he should have no problem understanding what the boss is saying!
So, forget all these unknowns from European leagues, this one is a no-brainer.
Get it done!!!
Scanning through the media just now it's pretty clear that nobody really knows what is going on in the minds of David Moyes and the board in respect of new signings.
While that may be unsatisfying for fans, and of course the media, it's a marker of improved transfer politics at the club. Cast you mind back to some of the messy non-transfers of recent years and it is reassuring to note that it has clearly become club policy to play stonefaced poker in the transfer market.
That makes for better business and also avoids a repeat of some of the embarrasing spats we have seen in recent years where there have been nasty exchanges with the likes of Charlie Austen and most amusingly the Sporting Lisbon president who famously called the Davids the 'dildo brothers' in the row over William Carvalho's non-transfer. Those incidents did little to enhance our reputation as a club to do business with!
So, right now we are left with hollow speculation as, hopefully, behind the scenes the club are busy seeking new recruits. Beyond all the makey-uppy bullsh** there are a few givens about the transfer situation.
Firstly, we have 40+ million to spend. We still haven't cashed in the money from Haller's departure and have substantially reduced our wages bill with the departure of Anderson et al.
Secondly, GSB are getting close to selling up. They have largely achieved their goals for the club and however else some fans may feel we have been transformed from a bankrupt Championship side with a crap squad to a top six Premiership outfit with a strong group of players and a huge stadium in a desirable location. We are perfectly placed for new owners to invest in.
Thirdly, the party line from the club about only bringing in players who will compete for places in the starting XI sounds good but is just a delaying tactic until the market hots up next week. There are very few players who would genuinely displace Antonio up front or Rice/Soucek in midfield but we clearly need decent cover in those positions. In the covid era clubs across Europe are desperate for cash and what has been a thin market will almost certainly open up.
Finally, ultimately GSB are business folk and will know that the West Ham brand will continue to grow only with further investment. The failure to replace Haller in January and bring in another midfielder almost certainly cost the club the 2-3 points that would have sealed a Champion's league spot.
Strap yourselves in, it'll be a busy week...
COYI!!!
Add to that the fact that none of our top players have been poached by Europe's top clubs and we have a settled feel that should help to overcome our usual underwhelming opening day performances. Preseason demonstrated that we are up to speed and ready to go.
However, the remarkable lack of transfer activity means there is no new blood to keep up the pressure for first team places and no doubt as the season progresses the lack of cover in midfield and up top will catch up on us. Thankfully, there is still time to address that and as we all know, for clubs like the Hammers we usually wait for last minute deals. Hmmm.
Newcastle will be no pushovers and of course did us for 6 points last season. With fans back, St James' will be buzzing but that could work as an advantage either way. Moyes will need to drill his defence to avoid the (?inevitable) Callum Wilson goal but with our front men in cracking form we probably wont need a clean sheet to get a result.
Rory Nostradamus is going for a 2-1 win for the Hammers with Benrahma continuing his wildfire antics of preseason.
COYI!!!
