Graham Potter makes surprise transfer admission amid West Ham injury boost
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GRAHAM Potter has cautioned against West Ham taking unnecessary transfer risks this month despite inheriting a squad with only one fit striker. The new Hammers boss, who takes charge of a first home game against Fulham on Tuesday night, is expected to use winger Mohamed Kudus in a central role with Niclas Fullkrug last week joining Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen in the treatment room. Danny Ings, 32, is the only recognised No9 currently fit but he has lasted 90 minutes of a league game just once in two years.
And Potter believes a desperate attempt to boost his squad in the next three weeks could end up back-firing on the club long-term. “I wouldn't say it’s imperative to sign a new striker,” he said. “There's certainly a logical rationale to do something but it’s not quite as simple as that.
“I wouldn't want to make the wrong decision or do something for the sake of it. This window is very complicated. We have options and there are players coming back.”. Bowen has started light training since breaking his foot at the end of December but remains some way off a return.
West Ham have considered a loan move for Marcus Rashford, though he wants to leave Manchester United on a permanent deal, and they have previously been linked with Brighton ’s Evan Ferguson. Potter gave Ferguson, 20, his Seagulls debut in 2021 and side-stepped a question about bringing him in on loan. He is also exploring the possibility of using midfielder Lucas Paqueta up front.
But Potter insisted he is “calm about it” and is confident he can find a solution within the squad available. “It's tempting to think there's some guy out there that's going to solve all your problems, but my experience is it's rarely as easy as that,” he added.
