West Ham United had an eventful transfer window, but not exactly for the right reasons.
There were no regular first-team outgoings this January, neither any incomings, but it could have been so different.
Marko Arnautovic’s transfer saga took up the majority of the month, whether he would move to China or not, but eventually the Austrian international signed a new deal to put an end to the ordeal.
Despite there being no incomings to the London Stadium that could have an impact on the remainder of the season, there are a couple of winners from the lack of spending this January. With that being said, let’s take a look at who they are…
Xande Silva
Silva may not have been used up top for the first-team in his two appearances so far this season, however, that is where he has been playing for the U23s and he has amounted a remarkable seven goals and one assist in six games.
The Guardian reports that West Ham will grant Arnautovic a move to China in the summer and will pay Maxi Gomez’s release clause now, however, the Uruguayan is likely to only move to the capital in the summer.
In that case, if Arnautovic struggles to regain his form from prior to the transfer ongoings, a different style of striker in Silva could be turned to in order to try and replicate some of his form for the U23s.
If he was provided more chances between now and the end of the season and was to heavily impress Manuel Pellegrini, then his future could be very bright at West Ham.
Grady Diangana
Given there has been no attacking incomings in January to bolster the squad until the end of the season, that only spells good news for Diangana.
The 20-year-old has been bright, direct and positive from the right-wing within his 17 first-team appearances so far this season.
With no incomings for now, that means he can continue to get vital game time to help aid his development and stake his claim for a more regular spot in this side.
