5 Midfielders West Ham Should Sign in the January Transfer Window (But Probably Won't)

West Ham are in a bit of trouble - and nothing denotes desperation like the return of the Messiah David Moyes.

For all their money spent in previous windows - £70m over the summer - the Hammers ​find themselves stuck in a relegation battle and need as much help as they get. Following the departure of the evergreen Manuel Pellegrini, the Irons are 17th in the table, level on points with Bournemouth and Watford, who are both in the relegation zone.

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So is there a spending spree incoming? Well, not quite yet. 

The Hammers spent £4m to bring back Darren Randolph after Lukasz Fabiański's injury concerns but Moyes is yet to splash any more cash. They've been linked with Forest's Matty Cash to aid their right back situation, while there could also be a (un)romantic return for Dimitri Payet. 


Midfield is certainly one area Moyes needs to strengthen but a Payet return would not be the best option out there, ​given the Hammers need for pace.


With everyone seemingly wanting some transfer news to start their days, we at 90min thought we'd also give it a go. But rather than give you some farcical rumour, we've decided to look at those midfielders that would make sense for West Ham to move for, while remaining realistic.


Let's take a look...


Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze

West Ham are desperate for some more goals - especially from midfield. Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals have combined for a total of just two goals this Premier League season, highlighting the struggles their attacking midfielders have had.

Step forward the talented Eberechi Eze, who has scored 10 goals for QPR in the Championship this season. At only 21-years-old, he has so many years ahead of him to fulfil his potential and there is no reason why he can't do that for the Hammers.

​Eze is creative, talented and potent in front of goal, which is just what West Ham need if they want to stave off this relegation dogfight. 

Stepping up from the Championship to the Premier League might be the only stumbling block for Eze, but he has shown the hunger and desire to become QPR's best player...


Adam Lallana

Adam Lallana

Jürgen Klopp might be spouting about how he doesn't want to lose any of his players in January but ​Lallana is likely to leave the Reds at some point. True, his career at Anfield hasn't quite kicked off at all since a move from Southampton, but he could slot in quite nicely into this West Ham side.

Whether in a more advanced position behind the striker, or as a deep lying playmaker, Lallana would bring creativity and experience to a team that seems to be lacking a whole lot of confidence at the moment. ​

With his contract expiring in the summer, the 31-year-old would be available at a reduced price, which could offer some great value.


Oussama Idrissi

Oussama Idrissi

A speedy winger who has an eye for goal - sounds absolutely ideal for Moyes and co, doesn't it? Idrissi has bagged himself 10 goals for AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie this season and is the tied third top scorer in the league.

The Hammers' wingers haven't been the greatest this season - with Anderson, Michail Antonio (because of injury) and Andriy Yarmolenko all struggling for goals, so Idrissi could offer something different.

However, we all know how Eredivisie top scorers tend to do in the ​Premier League (see Memphis Depay, Alireza Jakanbakhsh etc.) so there is a bit of risk to this one. 

The Moroccan is only 23, though, and thus has his prime ahead of him.


Erick Pulgar

Erick Pulgar

Pulgar has impressed this season at the base of Fiorentina's midfield, being one of the bright spots throughout a season of struggle. 

At 26, he has a many years left in him while also offering key experience and metal to a midfield that is currently lacking that. His arrival would take some of the pressure off Declan Rice, who at times has looked isolated in the centre of midfield.

The signing of the Chilean might not be the most attractive one for ​West Ham, but he could become a valuable acquisition nevertheless.


​Wylan Cyprien

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​Box-to-box midfielder Cyprien has been one of the standout stars for Nice this season, helping the Ligue 1 side comfortably into mid-table.

The 24-year-old has seven goals and three assists in 20 league games this season but his game is more than just that. His work rate in unbelievable and personifies the word tireless, as he marauds up and down the pitch.

He has represented France at all youth levels but is yet to break through into the senior squad - a move to West Ham might finally help him realise that.



Source : 90min