Slaven Bilic failed to build on the success they achieved in their final season at the Upton Park as they failed to break into the top half of the table in the previous season. But the manager has made some interesting signings this summer and will know that his side have a decent chance to fight for a place in Europe next season.
The likes of Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez have already made the squad a bit stronger but with five players quitting the club, Bilic is looking for further additions and the latest name linked with a move to the club is Abdul Majeed Waris.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, West Ham United are one of many clubs who are in the running to sign the 25-year old this summer. Also wanted by the likes of Celtic, Fulham and Brighton, the Lorient attacker once had a trial at the Etihad Stadium but issues with his work permit mean that he had to shift to the Swedish league, which he took by a storm.
Born and brought up in Tamale, Ghana, Waris started his senior career as a 19-year old with BK Hacken where he picked up 26 goals in 55 games over two years. It earned him a move to Russia with Spartak Moscow, a stint that he will want to forget quickly. He spent half of his time in Russia on loan before moving on to Trabzonspor.
Just a year later, he was picked up by French outfit Lorient, where he picked up some form and had a productive season last time around, where he picked up nine goals and four assists, missing just one game throughout the domestic season.
Capable of playing on the wing as well, Waris is a centre forward with a keen eye for goal. He is one of the most exciting finishers in Ligue 1 while his dribbling abilities only make him more dangerous. He is fleet footed and picks up loads of fouls in dangerous areas but he has to work on his strength if he wants to have a future in England.
He made his international debut as a 20-year old and has already made 22 appearances, making him an established star in Europe, just the kind of a player West Ham are searching for.
The likes of Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Andre Ayew are expected to be backups for Javier Hernandez next season for the Hammers, giving the 25-year-old plenty of competition for first team places. West Ham can land him for around £9m, and if they are able to, they will have found the final piece of their attacking puzzle for the next season.
