West Ham head coach Graham Potter remains focused on improving the players at his disposal as the club navigates a challenging transfer window to address its injury-depleted squad.

Just one week into his tenure at the London Stadium, Potter has already overseen two matches—an FA Cup exit to Aston Villa and a 3-2 Premier League win over Fulham. With his third game on the horizon against Crystal Palace, the Hammers continue to assess potential signings to strengthen their weakened attacking options.

Injury Setbacks and Transfer Plans

West Ham’s squad has been significantly impacted by long-term injuries to key forwards Niclas Fullkrug, Jarrod Bowen, and Michail Antonio. Despite growing speculation linking the club to various transfer targets, Potter remains measured about the market, emphasizing a focus on internal improvements.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s fixture, Potter highlighted the club’s balanced approach:
"Every club is the same, you're always looking to try to improve, whether that's externally or internally. My focus is internally because we've got players here that I think can improve, that I think can get better. The coach's job is to focus on that."

While Potter acknowledged that West Ham is active in the market, he stressed the importance of ensuring any new additions align with the club’s needs and philosophy.

Challenges of a "Complicated Window"

Potter described the January transfer window as "complicated," citing multiple factors that must align for a deal to be successful.

"There are a few checklists you've got to go through," he explained. "It's about whether they're available, whether they're able to play in the Premier League, whether they fit the way you want to play, and whether they're the right person for the group."

He added that while there is support from the club to make signings, his immediate focus remains on the current squad.

"In a week where you've got three games in eight days, my focus is on the players that are here. You can't worry too much about speculation and what newspapers say," Potter stated.

Looking Ahead

As West Ham works to strengthen its squad, Potter is tasked with maximizing the potential of his current players while navigating a congested fixture schedule. With support from the club and a clear vision for internal development, the head coach is striving to maintain the Hammers' momentum in the Premier League.

West Ham fans will be eager to see how the January window unfolds, with hopes that the right additions can bolster the team’s ambitions for the remainder of the season.