West Ham United 2025/26 Season Preview
Cautious Optimism
West Ham United enter the 2025/26 Premier League season with cautious optimism. After a disappointing 14th-place finish last year, the club aims for improvement under manager Graham Potter. However, challenges persist, including financial constraints and a squad in need of reinforcements.
Manager Graham Potter’s Approach
Graham Potter, now in his first full season at the helm, has emphasized the importance of leadership and mental resilience. To address these areas, the club has enlisted a sports psychologist. Potter prefers a 3-4-2-1 formation, aiming to instill a more dynamic and cohesive style of play.
Key Players and Squad Dynamics
Captain Jarrod Bowen remains a pivotal figure in attack, consistently delivering strong performances. Midfielder Lucas Paquetá, cleared of any wrongdoing after a lengthy investigation, returns with renewed focus and has impressed during pre-season. New signings, including striker Niclas Füllkrug and left wing-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, bring added depth to the squad. However, the departure of midfielder Mohammed Kudus leaves a gap in creativity and ball retention.
Financial Constraints and Transfer Challenges
The club faces financial limitations that have hindered significant investment in new players. Efforts to secure midfield reinforcements have been challenging, with a £30 million bid for Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes rejected, as Southampton demand £50 million. Additionally, West Ham must offload players like Edson Álvarez to fund further transfers.
Season Outlook
While the club has made strides in improving its mentality and squad depth, the lack of significant financial backing may impede substantial progress. West Ham United’s ability to adapt to Potter’s tactical approach and integrate new signings effectively will be crucial to their success this season.
Prediction
Given the current circumstances, a mid-table finish appears likely for West Ham United this season. Aiming for a 15th-place finish would be a reasonable expectation, providing a foundation for future growth and stability.
