# West Ham rebuilds for Championship, broadens transfer hunt > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/west-ham-united-championship-preparations > Updated: 2026-08-13T19:26:35.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 11. Following relegation in July 2026, West Ham United is focused on an immediate return to the Premier League. The club is set to open its 2026–27 campaign with an EFL Cup first-round match against Portsmouth at the London Stadium. Key squad members such as captain Jarrod Bowen, Valentin “Taty” Castellanos, Jean-Claude Todibo, and Dinos Mavropanos have remained with the club. Bowen, who signed a new contract through 2030, confirmed his decision to stay to lead the team back to the top flight, citing personal conviction. Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has reclaimed his position as the first-choice shot-stopper and expressed high ambitions, stating, “We are West Ham, we are the biggest club in the league and we want to show that we are going straight back up.” Midfielder Edson Álvarez, who is under contract until mid-2028, remains with the squad despite transfer links to Real Sociedad, Ajax, and Benfica. The club continues to navigate a period of player turnover and boardroom instability while pursuing various transfer targets, including free agents Manor Solomon, Arne Engels, and Adam Webster. Financial backing from majority owner Daniel Křetínský, including a £90 million stake purchase and proceeds from the £155 million sale of Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes, continues to underpin the rebuild. ## Claims - West Ham United will play Portsmouth in an EFL Cup first‑round tie at the London Stadium. (single source) - West Ham United were relegated from the Premier League last season. (single source) - Edson Álvarez will wear the number 4 shirt for West Ham United this season. (single source) - Edson Álvarez has a contract with West Ham United until mid‑2028. (single source) - Manor Solomon is a potential signing for West Ham United. (single source) - Arne Engels is a potential signing for West Ham United. (single source) - Adam Webster is a potential free‑agent signing for West Ham United. (single source) - Jarrod Bowen signed a new contract with West Ham United. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: West Ham United prepares for Championship opener after relegation West Ham United prepares for its Championship campaign with captain Jarrod Bowen committing to stay and goalkeeper Mads Hermansen expressing confidence in the club's goal to secure immediate promotion. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-prepares-for-championship-opener-after-relegation ### 2026-08-05: West Ham United readies for Championship season with squad news and cup tie West Ham United, relegated from the Premier League, will face Portsmouth in the EFL Cup, keep Edson Álvarez as number 4, and are linked with signings of Manor Solomon, Arne Engels and Adam Webster. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-readies-for-championship-season-with-squad-news-and-cup-tie ### 2026-07-28: West Ham United moves for Sorba Thomas in £10m bid to replace Crysencio Summerville West Ham United is ready to spend over £10 million on Stoke City winger Sorba Thomas as a replacement for departing Crysencio Summerville, aiming to strengthen their bid for promotion. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-moves-for-sorba-thomas-in-10m-bid-to-replace-crysencio-summerville ### 2026-07-27: West Ham United targets Leicester City defenders amid financial strain West Ham United, aiming for a swift return to the Premier League after relegation, are targeting Leicester City defenders Ben Nelson and Harry Souttar as the Foxes look to sell amid financial pressure. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-targets-leicester-city-defenders-as-financial-constraints-mount ### 2026-07-24: West Ham United prepares for Championship with squad boost and Tavernier pursuit West Ham United is preparing for the Championship by giving young players more chances and targeting free‑agent right‑back James Tavernier to bolster its defense. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-prepares-for-championship-with-squad-boost-and-tavernier-pursuit ### 2026-07-22: West Ham United transfer saga sees Fullkrug exit and no bid for Czech striker Chory West Ham drop Fullkrug after Venezia’s £20 m Akor Adams signing and confirm no bid for Czech striker Tomas Chory, while eyeing other targets. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-targets-new-striker-as-fullkrug-and-summerville-depart ### 2026-07-17: West Ham United rebuilds for Championship after relegation, captain Bowen stays West Ham United, relegated to the Championship, secured captain Jarrod Bowen on a new contract and is pursuing defensive signings such as Dylan Lawlor and Jaden Dixon while prepping with a 1‑1 friendly. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jarrod-bowen-signs-new-contract-to-stay-at-west-ham-after-relegation ### 2026-07-12: West Ham targets new signings ahead of Premier League push West Ham attended Manchester City's player showcase and may sign former academy forwards, while also targeting Championship striker Jack Clarke as a replacement for likely departure of Crysencio Summerville. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-targets-new-signings-ahead-of-premier-league-push ### 2026-07-10: West Ham United faces setbacks in summer transfer market West Ham United struggles to sign quality summer targets, sees no buyer for Niclas Fullkrug and doubts over Tommy Watson’s impact, leaving the club with limited new signings and financial concerns. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-faces-setbacks-in-summer-transfer-market ### 2026-07-10: West Ham United targets new signings ahead of Championship campaign West Ham United, now in the Championship, is targeting Stoke winger Sorba Thomas, Middlesbrough left‑back Matt Targett, and Metz striker Pape Moussa Fall to revamp its squad. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-targets-new-signings-ahead-of-championship-campaign ### 2026-07-02: West Ham United confirms key players will stay as club readies for Championship season Owner Daniel Kretinsky signals Bow​en, Castellanos and key players will stay at West Ham as they gear up for the Championship, while loanee Callum Marshall eyes a first‑team role. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-confirms-key-players-will-stay-as-club-readies-for-championship-season --- Cite as: West Ham rebuilds for Championship, broadens transfer hunt. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/west-ham-united-championship-preparations