Despite a poor start to the season, Graham Potter is confident in his managerial abilities and is pushing West Ham to make strategic signings to bolster the squad. The new manager, who took over in January, inherited an aging team and is looking for reinforcements following a 3-0 defeat to Sunderland.
Potter's arrival at West Ham followed the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, who managed only six Premier League wins in 20 games. The club is aiming for a fresh start under Potter, whose contract has been officially signed.
However, Potter faces challenges in the transfer market. West Ham has struggled to secure their primary targets due to a limited budget and difficulties in selling players on lucrative, long-term deals. The club is reportedly planning to recruit at least four players this summer, including a new center-back, left-back, central midfielder, and a forward. Potential targets include Adam Webster and CJ Egan-Riley for defense, Felix Agu and Maxim De Cuyper for left-back, and Chris Rigg, Yunus Musah, and Angel Gomes for midfield. Up front, Jonathan David and Liam Delap are potential options.
To facilitate new signings, West Ham has agreed to send Edson Álvarez on loan to Fenerbahce, freeing up wages and creating an opportunity to pursue midfield reinforcements. The club has reportedly made an improved bid for Southampton's Mateus Fernandes and previously had a £45 million enquiry for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos rejected.
Potter emphasizes the importance of avoiding quick fixes and learning from past transfer mistakes. He stressed that simply spending money on players does not guarantee improvement and can lead to being stuck with overpaid, aging players who are difficult to sell. Potter insists he is happy with the signings the club has been able to make during the transfer window.
Potter's coaching philosophy centers on adaptable, fluid tactics and player development. He is known for his meticulous approach and ability to maximize player performance. His tactical style involves building from the back with patient possession, occupying structured zones, and using intelligent rotations. He also focuses on positional discipline and collective synchronicity, with pressing and defensive transitions integral to regaining possession and controlling the game.
Potter's managerial journey includes successful spells at Östersunds FK in Sweden, where he led the team from the fourth tier to the top flight and the UEFA Europa League. He also made a positive impact at Swansea City and Brighton & Hove Albion, where he transformed Brighton into a competitive Premier League team. Although his time at Chelsea was challenging, his tactical philosophy remained evident.
At West Ham, Potter aims to stabilize the club, address weaknesses, and lay the foundation for future success. His ability to adapt, inspire, and build strong squads offers West Ham fans optimism for a new era. Potter's focus on player development and tactical flexibility could be particularly beneficial for players like Havertz, who may find more suitable roles under his guidance.
