At the end of the 2023/24 season, West Ham United decided to start fresh by parting ways with David Moyes and launching a plan to bring in a significant number of new players.
Julen Lopetegui has been given the responsibility to unite these new additions and implement his tactical style on the London club.
Just two games into the season, there is optimism that West Ham can once again compete for a spot in European tournaments.
The club has already invested over £120 million in new talent, but they remain vigilant for more opportunities.
If a few players leave in the coming days, West Ham is ready to target a new midfielder.
West Ham is reportedly interested in signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Besiktas, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey. The 31-year-old is also attracting interest from several Premier League teams.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who previously played for Arsenal and Liverpool, is considered expendable by his current Turkish club and might return to England to strengthen Lopetegui’s midfield.
Oxlade-Chamberlain moved to Besiktas after his contract with Liverpool ended in the summer of 2023.
During his time at Liverpool, he made 148 appearances and was part of the squad that won both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Once described by former Liverpool teammate Rhian Brewster as a “Rolls-Royce” midfielder, Oxlade-Chamberlain is highly skilled but has struggled with injuries throughout his career.
However, he has recently shown good form, suggesting he could be a valuable addition to West Ham.
Known for his powerful shooting, smart positioning, and goal-scoring ability, Oxlade-Chamberlain could be an ideal fit for West Ham’s current project.
While Carlos Soler is reportedly the club’s primary target, Oxlade-Chamberlain should be considered a top alternative.
Soler has spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain but has only started 26 league games and is not in the plans of new manager Luis Enrique.
West Ham is currently “leading the race” for Soler, but Sporting Director Tim Steidten, known for his business acumen, is aware of other clubs’ interest and sees Oxlade-Chamberlain as a potentially wise backup option.
When comparing the performances of Soler and Oxlade-Chamberlain over the past year in Ligue 1 and the Turkish Super Lig, there are notable similarities.
Soler may have the edge in goal-scoring and consistent playmaking, showing a stronger ability in passing and creating chances.
In contrast, Oxlade-Chamberlain plays with more dynamism and energy, excelling in dribbling and directness.
This style could be particularly valuable to a West Ham team that already possesses a solid mix of industrious and technically skilled midfielders but could benefit from a more direct, attacking presence.
Oxlade-Chamberlain would likely not be a regular starter under Lopetegui but could still significantly impact the team.
His attacking qualities could provide a new dimension to West Ham’s play, possibly even more so than Soler, making him a strong candidate for the club’s midfield.
