You Won’t Believe What West Ham Are Plotting in January: Snatching a £18m Defensive BEAST Who’s Basically the Next Declan Rice – Fans Are LOSING Their Minds!
West Ham United are no longer in the dire position they found themselves in a few months ago, but the 2024/25 campaign still promises to be a punishing test.
Performances have improved noticeably under Nuno Espírito Santo, who has overseen a clear upturn in style and results, losing just once in his last seven matches.
Despite that progress, the Hammers remain stuck in the Premier League relegation zone, sitting three points below safety and knowing a strong second half of the season is essential.
With survival far from secure, West Ham are expected to be active in the January transfer window.
Reports suggest reinforcements are being lined up, and intriguingly, one potential target has drawn comparisons to club legend Declan Rice.
While attacking options such as Norwich City striker Josh Sargent and former Brentford forward Ivan Toney have been linked, neither fits the Rice-like profile West Ham appear to be considering.
That description instead applies to Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell.
According to Hammers News, West Ham have revived their interest in the 23-year-old defender, with concerns over their defensive solidity prompting early talks ahead of the window.
While no current fee has been confirmed, Toulouse were believed to be holding out for more than £18 million earlier this year, making the deal far from straightforward.
Although Cresswell is not on Rice’s level yet, there are clear similarities in temperament and leadership.
Like Rice during his West Ham days, Cresswell is regarded as a strong character and natural organiser.
Analyst Ben Mattinson has praised him as a “proper leader at the back” following his role in England U21s’ European Championship success last summer.
On the pitch, Cresswell combines aggression with defensive intelligence.
FBref data shows him ranking among Europe’s elite centre-backs for blocks and clearances, while he has also chipped in offensively with three goals and one assist in 16 league games.
While not a finished article, Cresswell shares many of Rice’s defining traits, making him a sensible and potentially transformative target for West Ham.
