David Moyes believes West Ham can compete after £170m transfer spree

Jonathan Gorrie2 September 2022

David Moyes believes West Ham have made the right signings to compete towards the top end of the Premier League.

After finishing six and seventh in consecutive seasons, the Scot was backed with over £170m of new signings this summer, headlined by the club-record arrival of Brazil star Lucas Paqueta.

A lack of squad depth was cited as one of the reasons the club saw their dual assault on the Europa League and the Premier League’s top six last season, so the new signings are expected to play their part in an equally competitive campaign.

While West Ham went winless during the opening three games of the season, a win over Aston Villa raised morale before holding an in-form Tottenham to a draw on Wednesday night in a game the Hammers could well have won.

With seven fresh faces to work into the team and another European adventure to look forward to, Moyes believes West Ham now have the squad to compete.

“I think we’ve tried to bring in players who we think and believe can try and keep us near the top end, that is the plan,” said Moyes at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

“We have to do that. I think the top clubs have recruited well, also.

“You are talking about the real top clubs, you look at (Erling) Haaland, you look at (Darwin) Nunez, the level of the forwards and what you have to play to get the real top players.

“We’re trying to keep up with them, that is the job and hopefully, in time, we can get the players to show exactly how good they are.”

Crucially, West Ham again managed to keep influential captain Declan Rice.

When asked of how close the England international came to leaving, Moyes said: “Nothing I know of and the club have always said he wasn’t going to be available. We try to tell you the truth here.”

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