West Ham New Signings 2022/23: Complete List

by Alex Braham 45 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into West Ham United's transfer activity during the 2022/23 season. It was a busy period for the Hammers as they looked to build on their previous successes and compete on both domestic and European fronts. We’ll break down each signing, discuss their impact, and see how they fit into David Moyes' plans. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Summer Signings

1. Nayef Aguerd

  • Position: Center-Back
  • From: Rennes
  • Fee: £30 million

Nayef Aguerd was one of the first major signings for West Ham in the summer of 2022. Arriving from Rennes, the Moroccan international was brought in to bolster the defensive options. Aguerd is known for his aerial ability, composure on the ball, and strong tackling. His arrival was highly anticipated as West Ham looked to improve their defensive solidity. The hefty price tag reflected the high expectations placed on him. Fans were eager to see how quickly he would adapt to the Premier League's intensity and physicality.

Aguerd's initial impact was unfortunately delayed due to an ankle injury sustained in a pre-season friendly against Rangers. This setback meant he missed a significant portion of the early season. However, upon his return, he gradually integrated into the team, showcasing glimpses of his potential. His presence in the backline provided a sense of calm and assurance. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions became increasingly evident as he gained more playing time. Despite the initial injury setback, Aguerd's signing proved to be a valuable addition to the squad, adding both quality and depth to West Ham's defense. His contributions were vital in their quest for stability and success throughout the season. As he continues to adapt and develop, he is expected to become a key figure in West Ham's defensive setup for years to come.

2. Alphonse Areola

  • Position: Goalkeeper
  • From: Paris Saint-Germain (after loan)
  • Fee: £7.75 million

After a successful loan spell, Alphonse Areola made his move to West Ham permanent. The French goalkeeper impressed during his initial stint with the club, providing reliable cover and competition for Lukasz Fabianski. Known for his shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box, Areola quickly became a fan favorite. His performances in the Europa League were particularly noteworthy, helping West Ham reach the semi-finals of the competition. Securing him on a permanent deal was seen as a shrewd move by the club, ensuring they had a dependable option between the posts. The relatively low transfer fee made it an even more appealing piece of business. Areola's experience at top European clubs like PSG and Real Madrid added a valuable dimension to the squad. His confidence and composure helped solidify West Ham's goalkeeping department, providing both quality and depth.

3. Flynn Downes

  • Position: Midfielder
  • From: Swansea City
  • Fee: £12 million

Flynn Downes joined West Ham from Swansea City, bringing youthful energy and tenacity to the midfield. The young English midfielder is known for his work rate, tackling, and passing range. He was seen as a player with immense potential, capable of developing into a key figure in the heart of the midfield. His arrival added competition for places in the central areas, providing David Moyes with more options to choose from. Downes's ability to break up play and distribute the ball effectively made him a valuable asset. While he may not have been an immediate starter, his signing was viewed as an investment in the future. His willingness to learn and improve, coupled with his natural talent, suggested he could become a significant player for West Ham in the years to come. Fans were excited to see how he would develop under the guidance of David Moyes and alongside experienced midfielders like Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek.

4. Gianluca Scamacca

  • Position: Striker
  • From: Sassuolo
  • Fee: £30.5 million

Gianluca Scamacca was West Ham's marquee signing of the summer, arriving from Sassuolo with a reputation as a prolific goalscorer. The towering Italian striker was brought in to solve West Ham's goalscoring woes. His physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing made him an exciting prospect for the Hammers. The high transfer fee reflected the club's belief in his potential to lead the line and provide a cutting edge in attack. Scamacca's arrival generated a lot of buzz among the fans, who were eager to see him replicate his Serie A form in the Premier League. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play was also seen as a valuable asset. However, adapting to the Premier League's intensity proved to be a challenge for Scamacca. While he showed flashes of brilliance, consistency was an issue. Despite the initial struggles, there was optimism that he would eventually find his feet and become a key player for West Ham. His potential to score goals and provide a focal point in attack remained a valuable asset.

5. Maxwel Cornet

  • Position: Winger
  • From: Burnley
  • Fee: £17.5 million

Maxwel Cornet joined West Ham from Burnley, adding pace, skill, and versatility to the attacking options. The Ivorian international is capable of playing as a winger or a full-back, making him a valuable asset to the squad. His ability to beat defenders, deliver crosses, and score goals made him an exciting addition to the team. Cornet's experience in the Premier League with Burnley meant he was already familiar with the demands of the league. This was expected to help him settle in quickly at West Ham. His arrival provided competition for places in the wide areas, giving David Moyes more tactical flexibility. Cornet's energy and enthusiasm were also seen as positive attributes. He brought a different dimension to West Ham's attack. His ability to create chances and contribute defensively made him a valuable asset. Fans were eager to see him showcase his skills and make a significant impact on the team's performances.

6. Thilo Kehrer

  • Position: Defender
  • From: Paris Saint-Germain
  • Fee: £10.1 million

Thilo Kehrer signed for West Ham from Paris Saint-Germain to further reinforce the defensive ranks. Comfortable playing at centre-back or right-back, the German international offered versatility and experience. While perhaps not the flashiest name, Kehrer provided solid defensive cover and added depth to the squad. His experience playing at a high level with PSG was seen as a valuable asset. He brought a sense of composure and tactical awareness to the team. Kehrer's ability to play in multiple positions made him a useful option for David Moyes, particularly during periods of injury or suspension. His signing was a pragmatic move. It addressed the need for additional defensive cover. He provided a reliable presence in the backline. He may not have been a guaranteed starter, but his professionalism and versatility made him a valuable addition to the squad.

Winter Signings

7. Danny Ings

  • Position: Striker
  • From: Aston Villa
  • Fee: £15 million

In January 2023, Danny Ings joined West Ham from Aston Villa. He brought Premier League experience and a proven goal-scoring record. With West Ham struggling for goals, Ings was brought in to provide an immediate impact. His predatory instincts in the box and clinical finishing were seen as valuable assets. He aimed to add a much-needed cutting edge to the attack. Ings' arrival provided competition for Gianluca Scamacca. It also gave David Moyes another option upfront. His experience and work rate were expected to rub off on the rest of the squad. While he was not a long-term solution, Ings was seen as a shrewd signing. He could provide a short-term boost to West Ham's attacking output. His ability to score goals from limited chances made him a valuable asset in their fight to climb up the league table.

Outgoing Players

Of course, it wasn't just about who came in; several players also departed West Ham during this period. Notable departures included:

  • Mark Noble: Retirement
  • Ryan Fredericks: Bournemouth
  • Arthur Masuaku: Besiktas (Loan)

Overall Assessment

West Ham's transfer activity in the 2022/23 season was extensive, with a mix of promising youngsters and experienced professionals joining the club. While some signings took time to settle, the overall aim was to strengthen the squad and compete on multiple fronts. The additions of players like Nayef Aguerd, Gianluca Scamacca, and Danny Ings were aimed at addressing key areas of need. The departures also marked a transition period for the club. The retirement of Mark Noble, a club legend, was particularly significant. Only time will tell how successful these signings will ultimately prove to be. The initial signs were mixed, but there is no doubt that West Ham has assembled a squad capable of achieving great things.