Pundit predicts West Ham title challenge after fifth signing completed
Alan Hutton has predicted West Ham could “challenge at the top of the table” after sealing five signings in the transfer market.
However, the former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted signing a striker would have made for an “absolutely perfect” window.
West Ham completed the signing of Nikola Vlasic early on deadline day from CSKA Moscow and followed up by prising Alex Kral from Spartak Moscow to complete their fifth summer deal.
The Irons also sealed deals for Craig Dawson, Kurt Zouma and Alphonse Areola earlier in the window.
Hammers boss David Moyes was quoted by the London Evening Standard last week (August 27th) as saying he was “desperate” to bring in a forward during the window.
However, a move didn’t materialise and Michail Antonio remains the only recognised striker at the club.
Hutton suggested that signing a forward would’ve been the icing on the cake for the East London side.
“I think a centre-forward is the only missing piece for them,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“Antonio is fantastic. When he plays, they’re a better team.
“But we know over the last couple of seasons that he has struggled with injury.
“They’ve always been searching for that other number nine, but it’s not quite worked for them.
“Seb Haller is an example where it’s not quite worked for West Ham.
“If they brought a striker through the door to compete with Antonio, to play with him, whatever – it would be absolutely perfect.
“They’ve picked really well in the market and they look a really strong team ready to challenge at the top of the table.”
Antonio, who has already notched four goals this term, missed 13 games through injury last season.
In other news, Paddy Kenny has slammed this behind-the-scenes figure at the London Stadium.