Manuel Pellegrini is a real coup for West Ham United, but what if you were to take charge of the Hammers?
The Academy of Football have a few gems in store, waiting for their chance to burst onto the Premier League scene, but don’t expect to go out and sign the proven talent, too, as the funds are not there.
Read on for Football FanCast’s complete guide to the London Stadium side on Football Manager 2019.
The board’s expectations
Should you take charge of the Hammers, the board would demand a mid-table finish come the end of the Premier League season.
The cup competitions are also a priority for the east London outfit, who would like to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup and the fourth round of the Carabao Cup as a bare minimum.
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The transfer war chest
Pellegrini smashed the Hammers’ transfer record twice in the summer, with Issa Diop and then Felipe Anderson joining the club.
That does not mean the funds have all dried up for your first season at the helm, however, as there’s a further £20million on offer and £100,000 set aside for wages.
Three players to buy
Yeray Alvarez
Despite Diop’s arrival at the London Stadium and his potential to be a future star, West Ham still need a strong second centre-back to bring instant success.
Athletic Bilbao’s 23-year-old Yeray Alvarez would easily fit the bill, and without breaking the transfer record again, as he is only valued at £8million.
Valentino Lazaro
Pablo Zabaleta is the standout right-back for the Hammers, but he is nearing the end of his viable use in the position.
Replace the ageing Argentine should be a focus of yours, and Hertha Berlin’s Valentino Lazaro is the ideal man to do so. The 22-year-old, valued at £8.5m, is quick and capable of moving the team up the field, and has a desire to improve.
Anderson Talisca
Without Manuel Lanzini, West Ham struggle to cover his position and the Argentine is a regular injury concern.
Brazilian sensation Anderson Talisca would make a worthwhile addition to your roster, for the Guangzhou star is valued at £11.5million and is a creative force.
Three players to sell
Angelo Ogbonna
Should you bring another centre-back to east London, it would make Angelo Ogbonna’s spot in the team void – nothing to be concerned about, though.
The Italian is 31 and has the same rating as Winston Reid, Fabian Balbuena and just eclipses Reece Oxford, all while earning £70k-a-week.
Michail Antonio
English forward Michail Antonio is not rated by the game at all, with only his pace a notable aspect.
A clear lack of an end product makes cashing in on the 28-year-old’s £14million valuation a must, as there’s enough depth to cover any of his possible positions.
Andy Carroll
It will be hard to sell Andy Carroll as he starts off injured, but the striker presents nothing different to those vying for the same spot. And when you realise he earns £90,000-a-week, his £14.5m valuation is a lot more appealing.
Three for the future
Reece Oxford
Oxford can easily become a future great following his graduation from the Academy of Football.
Immediately when you take charge, he contends for a first-team role with a rating just shy of his elder competitors, and possesses insane potential for a 19-year-old.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice will put West Ham’s midfield to shame, as the 19-year-old can become a Premier League icon.
You would be making a mistake leaving the teenager out of the first-team for Pedro Obiang or Mark Noble, as he will win the ball back time and time again.
Spend a bit of time developing his passing and heading and you will never have to sign a deep-lying midfielder again.
Grady Diangana
Grady Diangana has recently burst into Pellegrini’s first-team and you should keep the 20-year-old in mind if you need a new right-winger on FM19.
He’ll unfortunately never make it at a top club, but for rotation and cup games he is a solid shout.
