West Ham can sign their own Alexander Isak in striker faster than Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Right now, West Ham United appear lightyears away from battling the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa and even Nottingham Forest for a place in the Premier League’s European positions.

But, while the tendency is to portray The Hammers as a club in need of multiple transfer windows and at least two seasons’ worth of rebuilding, the continent is full of clubs who bounced back from one poor campaign with a brilliant follow-up season.

One good spell of summer recruitment, and a change of atmosphere, can make all the difference. A pretty immediate difference, too.

Nottingham Forest, it should not be forgotten, finished 17th in 2023/24. The same position West Ham United find themselves despite fighting from a goal down to claim a draw against fellow strugglers Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Graham Potter given some much-needed respite as Jarrod Bowen converted Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s assist in style.

Over in Germany, Mainz looked dead-set for relegation last year, and have spent much of this in and around the Champions League spots.

Across the Channel, meanwhile, a Strasbourg team who limped to a 13th place finish in 2024 climbed to within one single point of the top four as they breezed past champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Alsace.

Considering that West Ham will be hoping to emulate the dramatic turnaround of teams such as Strasbourg during Potter’s first full season at the helm, it feels somewhat fitting that two of Liam Rosenior’s stand-out performers have appeared on The Hammers’ summer wishlist.

West Ham United eye Strasbourg duo Dilane Bakwa and Emanuel Emegha

TBR Football reporter Graeme Bailey claims that Graham Potter’s side have sent scouts to watch rapid winger Dilane Bakwa since the turn of the year.