What they ask
So, before we even get to the pressurised competition expectations, the club demand attacking football and that you develop players using the club’s youth system. You can try talk them out of these philosophies, but it’s a pretty tricky affair that could end up upsetting the board.
Domestically the focus is on the Premier League, with a top half finish the requirement from the start. In the Europa League, they demand that you reach the quarter-finals at the very least,
What they give
In relative financial comfort when you initially embark on your save, there are no requirements for you to be particularly stingy.
Transfer and wage budgets are limited, however, with sales needed to enable any significant additions.
Three to Buy
Balde Keita
Keita is one of the game’s most gifted young players. At his best as an inside forward on the left wing, the Lazio youngster will cost a princely sum, but its sure worth it.
David Gold and Sullivan will have to help out a little with the fee, though.
Axel Witsel
With his contract ending in 2016/17, Witsel would be a real coup for West Ham.
Competition from club’s with heftier wage budgets will make it a tough challenge, so swooping on a transfer rather than a bosman could be the best move.
Michael Keane
Adding depth to the defence is key, particularly if moving on any of the current central defenders is high on your priorities.
Keane, who is only 23, is a sure fire option to reinforce your options. Able to cover at right-back, Keane is a more secure defensive option than Byram.
Three to Sell
Diafra Sakho
Additions of Calleri and Zaza make Sakho’s position in the West Ham squad nothing more than a backup.
Work rate and finishing stats make it tempting to keep hold of the Senegalese forward, but the potential to sell him on for over £20million makes him a must-sell.
Raphael Spiegel
As low as third choice goalkeeper, Spiegel is sitting cosily in the West Ham under-23s.
An upgrade on Adrian is in order anyway, so moving Spiegel on and shunting Randolph and Adrian down the pecking order would strengthen the depth of your Hammers squad.
Andy Carroll
Injuries are an issue for Carroll on Football Manager and the former Newcastle striker does not fit the style of play you should focus on as Irons manager.
He gives a good option to go ultra-direct, but his big wages and high value make him a strong culprit to be sold as a revenue-raiser.
Three to Nurture
Reece Burke
Away on loan at the beginning of your save, game time shouldn’t be an issue for Burke.
His potential should be reached comfortably and he will be ready to fill a role in the first team by 2017/18.
Reece Oxford
Whether being developed into a central defender or holding midfielder, Oxford will be a top level Premier League player by the time you reach the 2020s.
His work-rate leaves a little to be desired, but high defensive ratings make him capable of playing a backup role in the squad even in the first season.
Domingos Quina
He might not even be 17 at the beginning of a save, but Quina is already showing the signs of a potential Premier League player.
Comfortable as a no. 10, Quina can be trained as a winger if that would suit your team better.
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