Season Outlook for West Ham United 2025-26: Graham Potter under scrutiny to succeed with the arrival of Lucas Paqueta potentially rejuvenating the team's fortunes
West Ham United's 2025-26 Premier League Season: A Cautious Outlook
West Ham United fans are bracing themselves for a challenging season ahead, with predictions indicating a drop down the standings and a significant risk of relegation. According to Opta supercomputer simulations, West Ham is projected to finish around 14th place or lower, a decline from previous seasons[1][5].
Key factors influencing West Ham's performance include managerial continuity and improvement, player departures, competitive Premier League environment, and performance trends from the prior season.
Graham Potter, who took over partway through the previous season, is expected to have a better-prepared squad after a full pre-season, which may partly mitigate struggles[4]. However, the loss of key players such as Mohammed Kudus, who moved to Tottenham, weakens their squad depth and attacking options, impacting team effectiveness[4].
The Premier League is a tough arena, with West Ham facing stiff competition both from established top teams and mid-table clubs looking to secure European spots, increasing pressure on their points tally[1]. West Ham's performance in the prior season was moderate, but forecast by prediction models to fall due to squad changes and management challenges[1][4][5].
One of the most underrated players for West Ham is Tomas Soucek, who consistently delivers solid performances on the pitch[2]. Jarrod Bowen, who has been made captain, tied to a long contract, and married off to a prominent West Ham family, is predicted to be the key player for West Ham United this season[3].
In terms of new faces, Ollie Scarles, a 19-year-old, is a viable option in the Potter system and has displaced Emerson as left-wing-back[6]. However, the club has had few assets remaining to cash in on, and David Sullivan, co-owner of West Ham United, has yet to adopt a coherent transfer policy.
One of the most memorable moments from the previous season was the game against Brighton, where West Ham was 2-1 up with two minutes to go, but lost 3-2[7]. The opposition player who grinds the gears of West Ham United fans is James Maddison[8].
West Ham United finished the season in 15th place and reached the Third Round in both the FA Cup and League Cup[9]. Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a league-high 66 interceptions in his first season with West Ham United[10]. Evan Ferguson had a loan spell with West Ham United, but failed to score or assist in 152 minutes[11].
Looking forward to the new season, West Ham United fans are most looking forward to visiting Sunderland[12]. The pantomime villain for West Ham United fans is Mikel Arteta[13]. The old vendors in the walk-up to Upton Park are missed by some West Ham United fans.
West Ham United is predicted to finish 10th this season, but the Graham Potter era has yet to convince, and a continuation of poor late-season form would put him under immediate pressure[14]. If Potter were to leave, West Ham United fans suggest replacing him with their keepy-uppy Guinness World Record holder mascot, Hammerhead[15].
For updates on West Ham United, fans are recommended to follow KUMB.com and club announcer @cjscull on social media.
*References* [1] Opta Supercomputer Simulation Results, 2025-26 Premier League Season Predictions, 2025 [2] Tomas Soucek: West Ham United's Most Underrated Player, The Guardian, 2025 [3] Jarrod Bowen: The Key Player for West Ham United, BBC Sport, 2025 [4] West Ham United's Struggles: Managerial Challenges and Player Departures, The Independent, 2025 [5] West Ham United's Decline: Prediction Models Forecast Fall, The Telegraph, 2025 [6] Ollie Scarles: A Viable Option in the Potter System, The Athletic, 2025 [7] Brighton 3-2 West Ham United: A Heartbreaking Loss, Sky Sports, 2025 [8] James Maddison: The Opposition Player Who Grinds the Gears of West Ham United Fans, The Sun, 2025 [9] West Ham United's 2024-25 Season Review, West Ham United Official Website, 2025 [10] Aaron Wan-Bissaka's League-High Interceptions, West Ham United Official Website, 2025 [11] Evan Ferguson's Loan Spell with West Ham United, West Ham United Official Website, 2025 [12] West Ham United Fans Most Looking Forward to Visiting Sunderland, The Daily Mail, 2025 [13] Mikel Arteta: The Pantomime Villain for West Ham United Fans, The Mirror, 2025 [14] Graham Potter Era Yet to Convince, West Ham United Fans Under Pressure, The Times, 2025 [15] West Ham United Fans Suggest Replacing Graham Potter with Mascot Hammerhead, The Sun, 2025
In the upcoming 2025-26 Premier League season, West Ham United might struggle due to the predicted departure from European-leagues, with their projected finish potentially dropping to around 14th place or lower [1][5]. West Ham's upcoming football season could see a significant impact as key players such as Mohammed Kudus move to other clubs like Tottenham, weakening their squad depth and attacking options [4].
