One-time Hammers’ target Armando Broja, still only 24 years old, has been missing since January but is likely to return to David Moyes’ bench tomorrow.

The Albanian was linked with West Ham a year ago but doubts remained as to his fitness record long before this Everton move.

A long-term ACL injury has dogged the young striker since December 2022 when he was sidelined for nine months.

West Ham most likely dodged a bullet by declining to take their reported interest any further: Chelsea have so far had to loan Broja to first Southampton and now Everton as they have tried to find a long term solution.

Broja has undoubted talent but rather like West Ham’s loanee Evan Ferguson, has been blighted by injury issues which have hampered his career development.

Goodisonnews.com confirmed that Broja will ‘probably’ be on the bench against West Ham tomorrow : Everton already have Dominic- Calvert Lewin, Iliman Baroy Ndiaye, Dwight McNeil and Orel Mangala missing so the prospect of Chelsea loanee Broja tiptoeing back to fitness and perhaps a few minutes from the bench tomorrow will be welcome news, but not to Hammers fans.

When fit, Broja still creates chances and West Ham will certainly wish him well for a speedy recovery- but preferably after 5.00 pm tomorrow.

The 2024/25 season is best forgotten for everyone involved with West Ham.

Its been a strange campaign, with bookies already paying out on Liverpool being crowned Champions, while contenders like Arsenal and Manchester City have had underwhelming seasons.

Chelsea have been inconsistent, and both Tottenham and Manchester United have struggled, performing below their usual standards.

As a result they are not far off West Ham in terms of league positioning.

There have been some surprises, with Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, who were close to relegation last season, now in the hunt for a Champions League place, partly due to the form of traditional top teams.

What has been most disappointing is how little is at stake at both ends of the table at this point in the season.

The three newly promoted clubs are almost certain to be relegated, and all three are on track to have the lowest points per game total in any season in top flight football.

Looking back to the summer of 2024, West Ham’s transfer business was initially heralded as a great success.

With the appointment of Julen Lopetegui a new era was expected, and Tim Steidten was given responsibility for transfers. Expectations were high, with European football seen as a bare minimum.

However the club eventually parted ways  with Lopetegui, followed by Steidten’s departure shortly after.
With a top ten place now looking unlikely, Graham Potter’s task is to stabilise the team, and secure as many points as possible, as every league position is worth approximately £3.1m.

Inside the club their are concerns about PSR rulings so summer transfer activity is expected to be underwhelming.
This has led to a sense of pessimism, with the season ticket renewal window now open for the 2025-26 season.

It is estimated 28,000 fans have not renewed since the club moved into their new home, and expectations are low.

I think I am not alone in wanting this season to draw to a conclusion.

Early cup exits to Liverpool and Aston Villa, combined with poor league form has made it a difficult season.

Hammers fans must wait another year for the rekindling of the dream of another European tour, Thursday night excitement and a serious cup run deep into the season.

The summer transfer window ahead – with a small budget – will be make or break for West Ham’s 2026 European expectations.

David Moyes, despite feeling unloved by the fans, due to his dour football, constantly reminded  fans of his achievements, including a European Cup win, three years of European football and consistent top half finishes.

It was time for a fresh start, but the benchmark has been established and every one wants to relive the excitement of that past adventure.