West Ham’s Defensive Woes and Summer Transfer Plans – 2024/25 Summary
West Ham United have endured a challenging 2024/25 Premier League season defensively, with only four clubs conceding more goals.
Three of those are relegated teams. Under manager Graham Potter, the Hammers have shipped 59 goals across the campaign—an average of 1.68 per match—according to data from Understat.
Interestingly, their actual goals conceded are slightly better than their expected goals against (xGA) figure of 62.73, which reflects the poor quality of chances they allow opponents to create.
In response to these defensive struggles, West Ham are actively pursuing reinforcements. One high-profile target is Slovakian international David Hancko of Feyenoord.
The versatile left-footed defender, who can play both left-back and left centre-back, has attracted interest from top sides including Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and Al Nassr.
Hancko has impressed with 44 appearances this season and helped Feyenoord concede just 33 league goals.
His experience and adaptability could be crucial in tightening up West Ham’s backline.
Another reported target is Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton. Despite being part of a relegated team, the right-back remains highly regarded.
Journalist Graeme Bailey claims West Ham are in contention to sign him on a free transfer, although competition from Tottenham and Crystal Palace could complicate the deal.
Former Saints manager Ralph Hasenhüttl once compared Walker-Peters to Philipp Lahm, praising his intelligence and footballing IQ.
To facilitate these potential arrivals, West Ham may need to trim their wage bill—and Kurt Zouma appears to be the likely departure.
The French defender, once a key figure at the club after joining from Chelsea in 2021 for £25 million, has been completely absent this season, spending it on loan at Saudi side Al-Orobah. Even there, he has managed just 16 appearances, suggesting a steep decline in form.
Zouma, who has 103 appearances for the Hammers and played a crucial role in their 2022 Conference League triumph, appears unlikely to have his contract renewed when it expires in a few weeks.
He also captained the team 37 times and was once heralded by former manager David Moyes as a “first-choice” signing.
However, with his West Ham career seemingly over, his exit would open the door financially for the club to pursue their defensive targets more aggressively.
Overall, West Ham’s summer will hinge on correcting their defensive instability—and replacing Zouma with players like Hancko and Walker-Peters could be the first step toward much-needed improvement.
