West Ham is actively exploring alternatives for the right-back position, considering options beyond Vladimir Coufal and Emerson Palmieri, as a couple of other full-backs are set to be out of contract next summer. Tim Steidten, the technical director, is leading the efforts, and the club’s board is reportedly working on plans for the upcoming January transfer window. With just over two weeks until the market reopens, West Ham’s recruitment team, as highlighted by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, is expected to be quite busy.
While reports have consistently emphasized that a striker is Steidten’s primary transfer focus, with links to £15 million Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy, budget constraints are acknowledged. Nevertheless, there are indications that West Ham is also exploring options for new full-backs. The contract of Vladimir Coufal, who is 31 years old, expires in 2025, prompting considerations about his future at the club.
Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson, both set to depart when their contracts expire next summer, have led to speculations that West Ham may seek new signings in the winter. One player now emerging in the discussions is Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters.
Southampton could be tempted into Walker-Peters sale
Along with their journalist Alex Crook, have provided an update on the situation this week, suggesting that despite his impressive performance in the 2023/2024 Championship season, Englishman Kyle Walker-Peters could potentially leave St. Mary’s Stadium. Russell Martin, the Southampton manager, has highlighted Walker-Peters as one of his standout players, but the player’s contract is set to expire in 2024, possibly prompting the Saints to consider a deal in January.
West Ham is reportedly eyeing a move for Walker-Peters next month, and there is speculation that Southampton might be inclined to sell, with a tempting bid from the London club. TalkSPORT suggests that a suitable offer could attract the attention of Southampton, especially as West Ham is exploring alternatives to Coufal and Emerson. The 26-year-old, capable of playing on either the right or left flank, presents an appealing option due to the potential for a reasonable transfer fee.
Russell Martin praised Walker-Peters as a “beautiful footballer,” emphasizing his excellent form in the Championship. BBC Radio Solent’s Adam Blackmore added that the former Spurs player is “integral” to Southampton’s current strategy, suggesting that the team is structured around him to maximize his impact.
Blackmore expressed curiosity about Walker-Peters’ importance, considering the transfer rumors during the summer, and emphasized that keeping him could be crucial by the end of the season. With Walker-Peters being homegrown, in top form, and yet to reach his peak, it is suggested that West Ham should prioritize him as a target, especially given his contract situation, if they are seeking additional high-quality full-back options.
