West Ham are preparing for a hectic summer following their relegation from the Premier League.

Nuno Espírito Santo aims to lead the Hammers to promotion from the Championship in 2027 after finishing 18th in the league rankings.

The London club has not played in the second division of English football since 2012, when they won the play-offs under Sam Allardyce.

There will undoubtedly be a lot of transfer action when the market officially opens on June 15th, with several ins and outs predicted.

West Ham will want to guarantee they have a team capable of battling for automatic promotion once the season begins.

The Irons will have until September 1 to complete any deals before the window closes for the remainder of the year.

West Ham midfielder draws transfer interest

According to French site Foot Mercato, Mohamadou Kanté is garnering interest from Marseille and Monaco ahead of next week’s transfer window opening.

Following their relegation, the Hammers are thought to have set a €20 million (£17 million) price tag.

Up to 20 clubs are reportedly scouting the 20-year-old, with an exit from the London Stadium becoming increasingly inevitable.

Teams from the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A, as well as Scottish and Austrian clubs, are interested in the player.

Kanté joined West Ham in the summer of 2024, but has struggled to find regular playing time in the two years since leaving Paris FC.

He returned to the French club on loan in 2024/25, making six appearances in Ligue 1.

Following his return to the London Stadium, the midfielder appeared 11 times in the Premier League, all as a substitute.

Kanté’s contract with West Ham runs until June 2031, giving the Hammers significant bargaining power in any future negotiations.

However, his lack of playing time may lead to a permanent departure this summer, especially given how many clubs are presently circling.

While his price has been set at £17.2 million, clubs are likely to make loan offers, and West Ham may even be willing to reduce that sum.

The club is set to look to raise finances this summer, with other players such as Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville receiving interest following their relegation to the Championship.

Mohamadou Kanté’s sale makes sense for West Ham.

Kanté is still only 20, but he has the potential to be a significant player for West Ham if he continues to develop and acquire experience.

However, given the necessity to raise funds through player sales, this is the type of move they may have to make as a result of relegation.

Bringing in about £17 million for someone who isn’t a significant member of the team can aid the club in larger transfer negotiations, like those with Fernandes and Summerville.

But only if they stand hard and adhere to their asking price, rather than approving a loan with the opportunity to buy or decreasing their expectations.