As the Premier League – and West Ham United specifically – kicks off the 2025–26 Premier League season, there’s a lot to think about, especially if you’re someone who’s looking to get some skin in the game and find Premier League betting markets to try your luck on.
We were treated to a very turbulent opener… a 3-0 loss to Sunderland, and that’s not the best start, quite rightly raising a few concerns about the cohesion of the team and defensive issues. But despite all of this, there are a few players – both new signings and more established players, who could potentially be the game-changers this season.
Callum Wilson – A Proven Goalscorer
One of West Ham’s most eye-catching summer additions has to be Callum Wilson, who joined the club on a free transfer from Newcastle United.
He may not necessarily be a spring chicken at 33, but what Wilson does bring to the table is invaluable Premier League experience, having been a consistent scorer in top-flight football. His presence in the squad gives them a focal point in attack – someone that could actually convert those half chances, hold up play… and perhaps even more importantly, mentor some of the younger forwards. If he does stay fit, he could be a decent goal scorer for the club.
Jean-Clair Todibo – A Strong Defence
As of 1st July, Jean-Clair Todibo officially converted from being just a loan to a permanent player and is an anchor on the squad’s back line. With his £32.8 million move, the team will be looking to him for solid ball control, aerial dominance and just sheer physical presence. All well-needed given the defensive instability we’ve seen.
If Tobido manages to remain uninjured, available and consistent, hopefully he’ll be the defensive leader the fans want to see.
El Hadji Malick Diouf – A Bright Lefty
He’s just 20 years old, but El Hadji Malick Diouf is coming from Slavia Prague, costing around £19m, and he could well provide the team with a very dynamic left-back or wing-back.
He’s already impressed on the international stage after Senegal’s very memorable win over England. He has a technical skill, dribbling ability, and youth that make him a very exciting player to watch.
Kyle Walker-Peters – Versatile in Defence
Kyle Walker-Peters was a great deal, joining the Hammers on a free transfer from Southampton on 20 July, thanks to having a strong relationship with manager Graham Potter.
He’s a flexible option for them, being equally at home at right-back as he is at wing-back, and because he’s so adaptable, it gives the team a very valuable tactical flexibility. We think he’ll be featuring regularly, especially as Potter will want to do something to remedy that shaky defensive first game.
Mads Hermansen – Hope In the Goal
Then there’s the £20m that’s been invested by West Ham in Mads Hermansen, a Danish goalkeeper who signed for them on 9th August from the recently relegated Leicester City. And he’s got a very pressured role to step into. However, he has a composure and distribution that could be hugely important… especially given his not-so-impressive debut in the loss to Sunderland. The quality of his performance in goal could well define their whole defensive record this season.
Lucas Paquetá – A Midfield Talent
Lucas Paquetá was cleared just before the new season after having been charged with spot-fixing – and Potter’s hoping that the weight lifted from Paquetá’s shoulders will translate into good form and a solid mental presence on the pitch. If he can get back to his best, with his creative spark in midfield, we could see a whole new vision for West Ham’s play.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – Underrated in Defence
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a part of the team since 2024, and he’s still a very important defensive figure, thanks to his excellent tackling skills and wide range of motion.
Defensively, he’s incredibly solid… and he’s also produced some very notable assisting moments – even been labelled the club’s ‘Hammer of the Year’. He’s still in his prime, and if he’s on top form, he’ll be vital on the flank.
Freddie Potts – Young Midfielder
Freddie Potts is a player who offers both energy and depth. After loans at Wycombe and Portsmouth, he’s come back with physicality and Premier League experience under his belt. Potter may choose to deploy him either during rotation or in a tactical matchup where they need stamina and youth.
Lewis Orford – A Midfield Leader of Tomorrow
He might only barely be hitting the senior squad, but at 18, Lewis Orford has already earned some very flattering comparisons… including to Frank Lampard, thanks to his late-arriving goal threats. He probably won’t be a starter this season, but he’s definitely one to watch if there are injuries or open doors in the midfield.
Jarrod Bowen – On the Attack
He’s not a new name in the squad, but he’ll still be a player who will be hugely important this season. Bowen is a constant source of width, pressing, and goals, and he’ll be important in their attacking strategy.
A Tough Season Ahead
It looks like West Ham might be in for a tough 2025–26 season. They were dished up a very humiliating opener, and the defence looked unimpressive – hence why Todibo, Diouf, Hermansen, and Wan-Bissaka are already under scrutiny. Meanwhile, Wilson, Paquetá, and Bowen will hopefully give them the offensive backbone they desperately need.
In midfield, some of the younger options like Potts and Orford will be important when it comes to giving the team energy and depth. And if Potter can integrate them, while still harnessing the strengths of his senior players, it could well be what determines whether West Ham can shake off this shaky start and end up having a decent season.
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