£35m Ipswich starlet and new striker sign: West Ham's mighty new line-up for next season if rumours are true

West Ham United and Graham Potter have a lot of work to do this summer after a below-par 2024/25 season saw the Hammers finish in 14th place.

The club’s transfer dealings in the summer window so far have done little to encourage fans, with only one first-time signing arriving in the shape of Jean-Clair Todibo, whom the Hammers had an obligation to buy from Nice for €40m after he was on loan at the London Stadium last season.

Playmaker Mohammed Kudus continues to be strongly linked with an exit away, as bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur ramp up their pursuit of the Ghanaian. While his sale would raise valuable funds to be spent on incomings, it would only increase the job on the hands of Potter and his staff to build a squad capable of improving the club’s fortunes next season. We had a look at what West Ham’s dream starting XI could look like in 2025/26, if the latest rumours are to come true.

West Ham potential goalkeeper and defence for next season

West Ham have been in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer. Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki is the club’s top target and could cost £30m in what would be a great purchase for a 22-year-old with vast potential. The Italian club are not inclined to sell but could be persuaded with the right deal for the Japanese international.

With Todibo likely to start at centre-back alongside Max Kilman, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a shoe-in at right-back after a stellar first season in East London. But the Irons are after a new left-back to replace the outgoing Aaron Cresswell and that could be Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf. The 20-year-old is regarded as a priority signing for the Hammers, with Slavia Prague braced for his exit.

How West Ham’s new-look midfield could line up

The midfield area is one where a revamp will likely be needed soon, though the Hammers may not complete the job this summer. Tomas Soucek is likely to continue as a starter, after another impressive season where he featured across the midfield positions. West Ham will hope that Lucas Paqueta can start alongside him - though a verdict on his pending investigation may arrive soon - but they will need cover.

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika has been touted as an option to bring in to strengthen the centre of the park, as has Middlesborough and England U21 star Hayden Hackney. In an ideal scenario, the Hammers would bring in both players to compete with the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez for a place in the midfield, allowing for depth in the scenario where key man Paqueta is no longer able to play for the club.

West Ham’s predicted attacking line for next season

In the forward positions, captain and oftentimes talisman Jarrod Bowen will start on the right. If an exit for Kudus does go through, which would be beneficial to both the club and the player, reinforcements will be needed in attack. Ipswich Town starlet Omari Hutchinson could be the answer to operate down the left and has been linked with a move to the Hammers, believed to have a £35m release clause in his contract.

The centre-forward position is of prime concern for West Ham this summer. Michail Antonio has seen his contract with the club expire, leaving Niclas Fullkrug as the only recognised striker at the club. His first season did not quite go to plan and Potter may look to bring in another option.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Callum Wilson are both available for free this summer and have been linked with moves to the London Stadium. While neither of the pair are likely to be fit enough to start every week, they could both rotate effectively with Fullkrug in an experienced attacking unit. If need be, Bowen could fill in through the centre once Crysencio Summerville returns from injury, leaving Potter with a wealth of options to choose from in attack.