Friday News (includes West Ham)
Posted: 03 Jan 2025, 10:31
BBC
Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford, 27, has rejected three bids from clubs in Saudi Arabia worth up to £35m a year. (Mail), external
Rashford favours a move to Barcelona, although the club's financial situation would make a deal difficult to complete. (Talksport), external
However, United could use Rashford to tempt Napoli into a swap deal for 26-year-old Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen. (Sun), external
Borussia Dortmund and Paris St-Germain are showing renewed interest in Manchester United academy graduate Rashford. (Teamtalk), external
United could sanction three loan deals in January to free up funds in their £80m pursuit of 26-year-old Sweden and Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres. (i Sport), external
United could activate the £25m buy-back clause in the contract of 21-year-old Benfica and Spain wing-back Alvaro Carreras, who they sold in May. (Star)
Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker, 34, is wanted by Saudi Arabian trio Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad. (Sun), external
Aston Villa are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for 25-year-old Netherlands forward Donyell Malen, who the Bundesliga club value at £25m. (Mail), external
Liverpool and Manchester City are considering January bids for 26-year-old Dani Olmo after Barcelona failed to register the Spain midfielder. (Sky Sports Germany - in German), external
Liverpool have had no contact with AC Milan over a move for Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, 25, despite reports in Italy claiming a six-month loan with a £41.5m obligation-to-buy deal could take place. (Mail), external
Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo, 22, is on the brink of signing a contract extension with Manchester United. (Express), external
Arsenal are eyeing a deal for Brighton's Evan Ferguson, 20, but face competition from Fulham and West Ham for the Republic of Ireland striker. (Talksport), external
Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams, 22, is also a target for Arsenal and the Premier League club could trigger the Spain international's £48m release clause. (Football Transfers), external
Tottenham and Wolves are interested in 26-year-old England defender Ben Godfrey after falling out of favour with Atalanta. (Rudy Galetti), external
MLS club Charlotte FC are closing in on a deal to sign Newcastle and Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron, 30, for £16m. (Sun), external
Everton will not entertain offers for 23-year-old Republic of Ireland defender Jake O'Brien in January. (Mirror), external
Real Madrid are watching Bournemouth's Dutch centre-back Dean Huijsen, 19, as they ponder a January move. (Sun), external
Juventus could pursue a loan deal for Manchester United's Netherlands left-back Tyrell Malacia, 25, until the end of the season. (TuttoMercato - in Italian, external)
Ipswich Town and Everton are eyeing a loan move for Aston Villa's English winger Jaden Philogene, 22. (Athletic - subscription required, external)
Tottenham are stepping up their interest in England and Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, 31. (Mirror), external
Tottenham could miss out on Denmark left-back Patrick Dorgu, 20, with Lecce increasing their transfer demands to more than £30m. (GiveMeSport), external
Fiorentina are trying to reach an agreement with Liverpool to sign Italy winger Federico Chiesa, 27, for £5.8m. The player's representatives will hold talks with Liverpool bosses this month. (TuttoMercato - in Italian, external)
England centre-back Fikayo Tomori, 27, wants to stay at AC Milan despite interest from Juventus. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Manchester United are looking for ways to offload Brazil winger Antony in January, with Real Betis showing interest in a loan move for the 24-year-old. (Caught Offside), external
Tottenham, Leicester and Bayer Leverkusen are competing for the signing of Udinese's 22-year-old Danish defender Thomas Kristensen. (Football Insider), external
Leicester are among several clubs considering a move for Manchester United's English left-back Harry Amass, 17. (Mail), external
Sheffield United are considering re-signing a forward - either Southampton and Chile's Ben Brereton Diaz, 25, or Las Palmas and Scotland's Oli McBurnie, 28 - in a bid to boost their promotion hopes. (The Star, Sheffield)
Sky Paper Talk
DAILY MIRROR
Trent Alexander-Arnold has demanded a long-term contract and a commitment to make him Liverpool captain if he is to stay at Anfield.
Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has remained coy over a possible move for Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee.
Liverpool are unlikely to sell Darwin Nunez to AC Milan this month without signing a replacement.
Kyle Walker could link up with Cristiano Ronaldo as early as this month if Al Nassr are successful in a bid for the struggling Manchester City defender.
THE SUN
Thomas Tuchel will be in attendance for Tottenham's match against Newcastle - his first Premier League game as England manager.
Marcus Rashford has turned down three money-spinning moves to Saudi Arabia as he weighs up his next move.
Manchester United's Harry Maguire was among hundreds of flood victims after his £4m home was hit by the New Year's Day deluge.
Arsenal are lining up a move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, according to reports.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is a surprise target for Real Madrid.
Marcus Rashford is at the centre of a stunning swap deal involving Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Jesse Lingard has axed his fashion brand after piling up debts of nearly £300,000.
Manchester City are eyeing a double raid for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush and Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly fallen out with Ruben Amorim as he seeks an Old Trafford exit.
DAILY MAIL
Aston Villa are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for Netherlands striker Donyell Malen.
AC Milan are yet to contact Liverpool in regards to a move for Darwin Nunez in the January transfer window.
Julen Lopetegui has backed Jarrod Bowen to make a speedy recovery after the West Ham skipper was ruled out for six weeks with a fractured foot.
Mads Hermansen has seen a specialist as the Leicester goalkeeper struggles to recover from the groin injury that has ruled him out of the last three matches.
Liverpool are braced to reject Real Madrid's pending £20m offer for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The expectation is that Manchester City will reverse their normal habits in attempting to embark on a busy window in the transfer market - but don't want any of Pep Guardiola's core stars leaving the club.
The season-ending injury suffered by Jamal Lewis prompting his return from a loan stay at Sao Paulo will not have a huge impact on Newcastle's PSR situation, because the club were paying the bulk of his wages anyway.
Evan Ferguson reportedly remains a target for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta gears up to strengthen his striking options ahead of another title race.
Newcastle are interested in signing Southampton's teenage star Tyler Dibling in 2025, and are monitoring the situation of James McAtee at Manchester City.
Tottenham fear left back Destiny Udogie will be out for two months after suffering a hamstring injury in the draw with Wolves.
The recent team leaks at Manchester United certainly caught the imagination of the players, who had their own ideas about who the mole was.
Crystal Palace are ready to trigger a 12-month extension in Will Hughes's contract.
Monaco are among the clubs monitoring Millwall youngster Romain Esse.
Manchester City are considering a move for Lens centre back Abdukodir Khusanov.
THE TIMES
Marcus Rashford has turned down the chance to become one of the best-paid players in the world after rejecting a £35m-a-year deal from the Saudi Pro League that would have doubled his salary at Manchester United.
Everton's new stadium will host its first match next month when the club's under-18s play in front of 10,000 spectators.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Premier League executives and managers are warning the transfer market will be changed for ever as so many top-flight clubs are unable to spend in January because of profitability and sustainability rules.
Marcus Rashford has rejected three offers from Saudi Pro League clubs in deals worth up to £35m per season.
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed members of his England backroom staff but is yet to name a black or minority ethnic (BME) coach as part of the Football Association's own placement programme.
THE GUARDIAN
Carlo Ancelotti has refused to be drawn on Real Madrid's pursuit of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Champions League holders were rebuffed when they made an initial inquiry about the England right-back's availability a few days ago.
Charlotte FC are hopeful of striking a deal to take Newcastle wide-man Miguel Almiron back to the MLS.
Plymouth have scrapped plans to make a documentary about their battle against relegation from the Championship after Wayne Rooney's departure this week.
THE ATHLETIC
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has reduced the club's debt by converting another £82m of loans into share capital.
Lydia Bedford is set to leave her role with Brentford Under-18s to become the new head coach of Calgary Wild.
Real Madrid are targeting a return for David Alaba in January following the serious knee injury that has kept him out for the last 12 months.
Brighton & Hove Albion's new midfielder Diego Gomez will not make his debut in Saturday's home game against Arsenal.
DAILY RECORD
Free agent Ryan Kent will reportedly be offered a return to Rangers.
SCOTTISH SUN
Rangers, alongside Club Brugge and AZ Alkmaar, are reportedly interested in Varazdin star Leon Belcar.
Montrose have denied they are the latest SPFL team to hit the financial skids.
C&H
West Ham Go Secret Squirrel With ‘Flat Out’ Transfer Activity
West Ham are working overtime to secure new signings during the January transfer window.
This follows yesterday’s revelation that the Hammers approached Brighton to enquire about Evan Ferguson, only to be informed by the South Coast club that any decision would be made at the end of the window.
After learning of Brighton’s stance on Ferguson, Claret & Hugh reached out to a top source at the club regarding two other players heavily linked with a move to the London Stadium. The source replied, “I can’t comment on specific names as it reveals our plans to agents and clubs,” but added, “I’m working flat out to bring players in.”
The club has reiterated on several occasions that signing a striker remains a priority, along with adding pace to the midfield.
West Ham have also made it clear they will walk away from any negotiations for Ferguson if Brighton insist on a deadline-day deal. There is understood to be a shortlist of potential targets, with agents and clubs already approached
The Athletic
West Ham’s 2024: The European run, a bold appointment as manager, and Michail Antonio’s crash
By Roshane Thomas
It has been a year of ups and downs, a year of reflection, a year when West Ham United’s hierarchy were not circumspect in pursuit of their long-term vision for the club.
First came the managerial appointment of head coach Julen Lopetegui in May. The Spaniard replaced David Moyes, who was previously at the helm for four and a half years. It was a bold decision from the board and one which still polarises opinion, but they felt it was a risk worth taking, and only time will tell if they will rue that decision.
There was also the summer expenditure of over £120million on nine players. A squad was assembled to challenge for Europe, but after a slow start such expectations have halted. West Ham have lacked consistency and will now instead hope for better in the new year.
Here is The Athletic’s review of 2024.
Best moment
Mohammed Kudus’ solo goal in the round of 16 tie of the Europa League against Freiburg in March.
The attacker started the solo run close in his own half, surged past one Freiburg player, then another, then finally skipped past defender Lukas Kubler to score a goal-of-the-season contender. It was a reminder of why Kudus is a sought-after talent, the confidence he has in possession, and his penchant for dribbling past defenders.
Worst moment
The 6-0 home defeat to Arsenal in the league in February was one of the nadirs of the season. West Ham already trailed 4-0 at half-time, with many supporters streaming out of the London Stadium.
But the worst moment has to be Michail Antonio’s car accident. It put things in perspective about how unpredictable life is. Captain Jarrod Bowen told The Athletic he prayed for good news, but on the Saturday afternoon after it happened, it was difficult because he could do nothing to help. It is how everyone else associated with West Ham would have felt.
There was concern over Antonio’s well-being once pictures of his wrecked Ferrari circulated on social media. The 34-year-old received an outpouring of love from clubs across Europe. One of the most important updates was the club confirming Antonio was in a stable condition, conscious and communicating. The Jamaica international faces a long road to recovery but has a great support system around him.
Best game
This year there were impressive performances against Brentford, Freiburg, Ipswich Town and Newcastle United. But the best game was April’s second-leg quarter-final Europa League tie with Bayer Leverkusen, which they drew 1-1, though that meant a 3-1 loss on aggregate. The first half was one of the best attacking displays this year.
Antonio scored an early opener and Jarrod Bowen was denied from close range shortly after, with Moyes falling to the ground in despair. It was a shame the team struggled to sustain that performance, but a reminder of their true potential.
Best player
Bowen scored his first career hat-trick in West Ham’s 4-2 win over Brentford in February. Post-match, Brentford manager Thomas Frank described Bowen as “unplayable”. Last season he had his best goalscoring campaign, registering 20 goals and 10 assists across 44 appearances. In the 2-2 draw against Liverpool in April, he became the first West Ham player to register 20 goals or more in all competitions since Teddy Sheringham and Marlon Harewood both did it in 2004-05.
Since joining from Hull City in January 2020, Bowen has scored 65 goals in 220 appearances, and a memorable moment this year was Bowen equalling Paolo Di Canio’s goalscoring record (16) for the most by a West Ham player in a Premier League season during 2023-24. It was a case of the winger elevating his game to another level.
The result was Bowen being named in England’s European Championship squad last summer, and in November he opened his account for the national team during their 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland. Bowen, without question, was West Ham’s best player this year.
The stat that sums up 2024
In all competitions, West Ham have a paltry return of 12 wins this calendar year across 44 fixtures. It is a stat they need to rectify in the new year.
Favourite quote
It would have to be from my interview with ex-West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals. He left the club in January to join Real Betis after a four-and-a-half year spell, but is still fondly remembered.
“I had interest from another Premier League team, but there’s no way I could join another club in England,” Fornals told The Athletic. “It would feel weird playing against the club I love. It’s easier to live in London than other European countries, but if it’s not West Ham then there’s no chance. It could be Manchester City, or Manchester United, I can’t do it. I can’t picture myself scoring or celebrating against West Ham.”
Did that really happen?
The departures of Fornals and Said Benrahma to Real Betis and Lyon not being completed in time on transfer deadline day in January was an odd moment. The deal was held up due to an issue with Benrahma and Fornals’ move being registered on FIFA’s Transfer Matching System (TMS).
But both deals were eventually completed on February 2.
Player to watch in 2025
Ollie Scarles is a name familiar to supporters. The 19-year-old left-back made his Premier League debut in the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. His previous appearance was in 2022 against FCSB, where he was named man of the match.
Scarles in January 2024 playing for the under-21s (Cameron Howard/Getty Images)
Scarles sustained a fracture in his back in March which stalled his development. But the full-back was part of the pre-season trip to Florida and has since impressed Lopetegui with his performances in training. The Spaniard intends to give Scarles more first-team opportunities in 2025.
A wish for 2025
For West Ham to go on a cup run. Since January 2010, the club have progressed beyond the fifth round of the FA Cup twice and have not reached the final of the competition since the 2006 loss against Liverpool. They have not won the FA Cup since beating Arsenal in 1980.
On January 10, Lopetegui’s side will travel to Aston Villa in the third round of the competition. West Ham lost to Championship side Bristol City at this stage last season so should be seeking to make amends.
(Top photo: Antonio scoring against Bayer Leverkusen; by Mike Hewitt via Getty Images)
Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford, 27, has rejected three bids from clubs in Saudi Arabia worth up to £35m a year. (Mail), external
Rashford favours a move to Barcelona, although the club's financial situation would make a deal difficult to complete. (Talksport), external
However, United could use Rashford to tempt Napoli into a swap deal for 26-year-old Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen. (Sun), external
Borussia Dortmund and Paris St-Germain are showing renewed interest in Manchester United academy graduate Rashford. (Teamtalk), external
United could sanction three loan deals in January to free up funds in their £80m pursuit of 26-year-old Sweden and Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres. (i Sport), external
United could activate the £25m buy-back clause in the contract of 21-year-old Benfica and Spain wing-back Alvaro Carreras, who they sold in May. (Star)
Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker, 34, is wanted by Saudi Arabian trio Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad. (Sun), external
Aston Villa are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for 25-year-old Netherlands forward Donyell Malen, who the Bundesliga club value at £25m. (Mail), external
Liverpool and Manchester City are considering January bids for 26-year-old Dani Olmo after Barcelona failed to register the Spain midfielder. (Sky Sports Germany - in German), external
Liverpool have had no contact with AC Milan over a move for Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, 25, despite reports in Italy claiming a six-month loan with a £41.5m obligation-to-buy deal could take place. (Mail), external
Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo, 22, is on the brink of signing a contract extension with Manchester United. (Express), external
Arsenal are eyeing a deal for Brighton's Evan Ferguson, 20, but face competition from Fulham and West Ham for the Republic of Ireland striker. (Talksport), external
Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams, 22, is also a target for Arsenal and the Premier League club could trigger the Spain international's £48m release clause. (Football Transfers), external
Tottenham and Wolves are interested in 26-year-old England defender Ben Godfrey after falling out of favour with Atalanta. (Rudy Galetti), external
MLS club Charlotte FC are closing in on a deal to sign Newcastle and Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron, 30, for £16m. (Sun), external
Everton will not entertain offers for 23-year-old Republic of Ireland defender Jake O'Brien in January. (Mirror), external
Real Madrid are watching Bournemouth's Dutch centre-back Dean Huijsen, 19, as they ponder a January move. (Sun), external
Juventus could pursue a loan deal for Manchester United's Netherlands left-back Tyrell Malacia, 25, until the end of the season. (TuttoMercato - in Italian, external)
Ipswich Town and Everton are eyeing a loan move for Aston Villa's English winger Jaden Philogene, 22. (Athletic - subscription required, external)
Tottenham are stepping up their interest in England and Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, 31. (Mirror), external
Tottenham could miss out on Denmark left-back Patrick Dorgu, 20, with Lecce increasing their transfer demands to more than £30m. (GiveMeSport), external
Fiorentina are trying to reach an agreement with Liverpool to sign Italy winger Federico Chiesa, 27, for £5.8m. The player's representatives will hold talks with Liverpool bosses this month. (TuttoMercato - in Italian, external)
England centre-back Fikayo Tomori, 27, wants to stay at AC Milan despite interest from Juventus. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Manchester United are looking for ways to offload Brazil winger Antony in January, with Real Betis showing interest in a loan move for the 24-year-old. (Caught Offside), external
Tottenham, Leicester and Bayer Leverkusen are competing for the signing of Udinese's 22-year-old Danish defender Thomas Kristensen. (Football Insider), external
Leicester are among several clubs considering a move for Manchester United's English left-back Harry Amass, 17. (Mail), external
Sheffield United are considering re-signing a forward - either Southampton and Chile's Ben Brereton Diaz, 25, or Las Palmas and Scotland's Oli McBurnie, 28 - in a bid to boost their promotion hopes. (The Star, Sheffield)
Sky Paper Talk
DAILY MIRROR
Trent Alexander-Arnold has demanded a long-term contract and a commitment to make him Liverpool captain if he is to stay at Anfield.
Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has remained coy over a possible move for Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee.
Liverpool are unlikely to sell Darwin Nunez to AC Milan this month without signing a replacement.
Kyle Walker could link up with Cristiano Ronaldo as early as this month if Al Nassr are successful in a bid for the struggling Manchester City defender.
THE SUN
Thomas Tuchel will be in attendance for Tottenham's match against Newcastle - his first Premier League game as England manager.
Marcus Rashford has turned down three money-spinning moves to Saudi Arabia as he weighs up his next move.
Manchester United's Harry Maguire was among hundreds of flood victims after his £4m home was hit by the New Year's Day deluge.
Arsenal are lining up a move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, according to reports.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is a surprise target for Real Madrid.
Marcus Rashford is at the centre of a stunning swap deal involving Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Jesse Lingard has axed his fashion brand after piling up debts of nearly £300,000.
Manchester City are eyeing a double raid for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush and Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly fallen out with Ruben Amorim as he seeks an Old Trafford exit.
DAILY MAIL
Aston Villa are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for Netherlands striker Donyell Malen.
AC Milan are yet to contact Liverpool in regards to a move for Darwin Nunez in the January transfer window.
Julen Lopetegui has backed Jarrod Bowen to make a speedy recovery after the West Ham skipper was ruled out for six weeks with a fractured foot.
Mads Hermansen has seen a specialist as the Leicester goalkeeper struggles to recover from the groin injury that has ruled him out of the last three matches.
Liverpool are braced to reject Real Madrid's pending £20m offer for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The expectation is that Manchester City will reverse their normal habits in attempting to embark on a busy window in the transfer market - but don't want any of Pep Guardiola's core stars leaving the club.
The season-ending injury suffered by Jamal Lewis prompting his return from a loan stay at Sao Paulo will not have a huge impact on Newcastle's PSR situation, because the club were paying the bulk of his wages anyway.
Evan Ferguson reportedly remains a target for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta gears up to strengthen his striking options ahead of another title race.
Newcastle are interested in signing Southampton's teenage star Tyler Dibling in 2025, and are monitoring the situation of James McAtee at Manchester City.
Tottenham fear left back Destiny Udogie will be out for two months after suffering a hamstring injury in the draw with Wolves.
The recent team leaks at Manchester United certainly caught the imagination of the players, who had their own ideas about who the mole was.
Crystal Palace are ready to trigger a 12-month extension in Will Hughes's contract.
Monaco are among the clubs monitoring Millwall youngster Romain Esse.
Manchester City are considering a move for Lens centre back Abdukodir Khusanov.
THE TIMES
Marcus Rashford has turned down the chance to become one of the best-paid players in the world after rejecting a £35m-a-year deal from the Saudi Pro League that would have doubled his salary at Manchester United.
Everton's new stadium will host its first match next month when the club's under-18s play in front of 10,000 spectators.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Premier League executives and managers are warning the transfer market will be changed for ever as so many top-flight clubs are unable to spend in January because of profitability and sustainability rules.
Marcus Rashford has rejected three offers from Saudi Pro League clubs in deals worth up to £35m per season.
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed members of his England backroom staff but is yet to name a black or minority ethnic (BME) coach as part of the Football Association's own placement programme.
THE GUARDIAN
Carlo Ancelotti has refused to be drawn on Real Madrid's pursuit of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Champions League holders were rebuffed when they made an initial inquiry about the England right-back's availability a few days ago.
Charlotte FC are hopeful of striking a deal to take Newcastle wide-man Miguel Almiron back to the MLS.
Plymouth have scrapped plans to make a documentary about their battle against relegation from the Championship after Wayne Rooney's departure this week.
THE ATHLETIC
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has reduced the club's debt by converting another £82m of loans into share capital.
Lydia Bedford is set to leave her role with Brentford Under-18s to become the new head coach of Calgary Wild.
Real Madrid are targeting a return for David Alaba in January following the serious knee injury that has kept him out for the last 12 months.
Brighton & Hove Albion's new midfielder Diego Gomez will not make his debut in Saturday's home game against Arsenal.
DAILY RECORD
Free agent Ryan Kent will reportedly be offered a return to Rangers.
SCOTTISH SUN
Rangers, alongside Club Brugge and AZ Alkmaar, are reportedly interested in Varazdin star Leon Belcar.
Montrose have denied they are the latest SPFL team to hit the financial skids.
C&H
West Ham Go Secret Squirrel With ‘Flat Out’ Transfer Activity
West Ham are working overtime to secure new signings during the January transfer window.
This follows yesterday’s revelation that the Hammers approached Brighton to enquire about Evan Ferguson, only to be informed by the South Coast club that any decision would be made at the end of the window.
After learning of Brighton’s stance on Ferguson, Claret & Hugh reached out to a top source at the club regarding two other players heavily linked with a move to the London Stadium. The source replied, “I can’t comment on specific names as it reveals our plans to agents and clubs,” but added, “I’m working flat out to bring players in.”
The club has reiterated on several occasions that signing a striker remains a priority, along with adding pace to the midfield.
West Ham have also made it clear they will walk away from any negotiations for Ferguson if Brighton insist on a deadline-day deal. There is understood to be a shortlist of potential targets, with agents and clubs already approached
The Athletic
West Ham’s 2024: The European run, a bold appointment as manager, and Michail Antonio’s crash
By Roshane Thomas
It has been a year of ups and downs, a year of reflection, a year when West Ham United’s hierarchy were not circumspect in pursuit of their long-term vision for the club.
First came the managerial appointment of head coach Julen Lopetegui in May. The Spaniard replaced David Moyes, who was previously at the helm for four and a half years. It was a bold decision from the board and one which still polarises opinion, but they felt it was a risk worth taking, and only time will tell if they will rue that decision.
There was also the summer expenditure of over £120million on nine players. A squad was assembled to challenge for Europe, but after a slow start such expectations have halted. West Ham have lacked consistency and will now instead hope for better in the new year.
Here is The Athletic’s review of 2024.
Best moment
Mohammed Kudus’ solo goal in the round of 16 tie of the Europa League against Freiburg in March.
The attacker started the solo run close in his own half, surged past one Freiburg player, then another, then finally skipped past defender Lukas Kubler to score a goal-of-the-season contender. It was a reminder of why Kudus is a sought-after talent, the confidence he has in possession, and his penchant for dribbling past defenders.
Worst moment
The 6-0 home defeat to Arsenal in the league in February was one of the nadirs of the season. West Ham already trailed 4-0 at half-time, with many supporters streaming out of the London Stadium.
But the worst moment has to be Michail Antonio’s car accident. It put things in perspective about how unpredictable life is. Captain Jarrod Bowen told The Athletic he prayed for good news, but on the Saturday afternoon after it happened, it was difficult because he could do nothing to help. It is how everyone else associated with West Ham would have felt.
There was concern over Antonio’s well-being once pictures of his wrecked Ferrari circulated on social media. The 34-year-old received an outpouring of love from clubs across Europe. One of the most important updates was the club confirming Antonio was in a stable condition, conscious and communicating. The Jamaica international faces a long road to recovery but has a great support system around him.
Best game
This year there were impressive performances against Brentford, Freiburg, Ipswich Town and Newcastle United. But the best game was April’s second-leg quarter-final Europa League tie with Bayer Leverkusen, which they drew 1-1, though that meant a 3-1 loss on aggregate. The first half was one of the best attacking displays this year.
Antonio scored an early opener and Jarrod Bowen was denied from close range shortly after, with Moyes falling to the ground in despair. It was a shame the team struggled to sustain that performance, but a reminder of their true potential.
Best player
Bowen scored his first career hat-trick in West Ham’s 4-2 win over Brentford in February. Post-match, Brentford manager Thomas Frank described Bowen as “unplayable”. Last season he had his best goalscoring campaign, registering 20 goals and 10 assists across 44 appearances. In the 2-2 draw against Liverpool in April, he became the first West Ham player to register 20 goals or more in all competitions since Teddy Sheringham and Marlon Harewood both did it in 2004-05.
Since joining from Hull City in January 2020, Bowen has scored 65 goals in 220 appearances, and a memorable moment this year was Bowen equalling Paolo Di Canio’s goalscoring record (16) for the most by a West Ham player in a Premier League season during 2023-24. It was a case of the winger elevating his game to another level.
The result was Bowen being named in England’s European Championship squad last summer, and in November he opened his account for the national team during their 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland. Bowen, without question, was West Ham’s best player this year.
The stat that sums up 2024
In all competitions, West Ham have a paltry return of 12 wins this calendar year across 44 fixtures. It is a stat they need to rectify in the new year.
Favourite quote
It would have to be from my interview with ex-West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals. He left the club in January to join Real Betis after a four-and-a-half year spell, but is still fondly remembered.
“I had interest from another Premier League team, but there’s no way I could join another club in England,” Fornals told The Athletic. “It would feel weird playing against the club I love. It’s easier to live in London than other European countries, but if it’s not West Ham then there’s no chance. It could be Manchester City, or Manchester United, I can’t do it. I can’t picture myself scoring or celebrating against West Ham.”
Did that really happen?
The departures of Fornals and Said Benrahma to Real Betis and Lyon not being completed in time on transfer deadline day in January was an odd moment. The deal was held up due to an issue with Benrahma and Fornals’ move being registered on FIFA’s Transfer Matching System (TMS).
But both deals were eventually completed on February 2.
Player to watch in 2025
Ollie Scarles is a name familiar to supporters. The 19-year-old left-back made his Premier League debut in the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. His previous appearance was in 2022 against FCSB, where he was named man of the match.
Scarles in January 2024 playing for the under-21s (Cameron Howard/Getty Images)
Scarles sustained a fracture in his back in March which stalled his development. But the full-back was part of the pre-season trip to Florida and has since impressed Lopetegui with his performances in training. The Spaniard intends to give Scarles more first-team opportunities in 2025.
A wish for 2025
For West Ham to go on a cup run. Since January 2010, the club have progressed beyond the fifth round of the FA Cup twice and have not reached the final of the competition since the 2006 loss against Liverpool. They have not won the FA Cup since beating Arsenal in 1980.
On January 10, Lopetegui’s side will travel to Aston Villa in the third round of the competition. West Ham lost to Championship side Bristol City at this stage last season so should be seeking to make amends.
(Top photo: Antonio scoring against Bayer Leverkusen; by Mike Hewitt via Getty Images)