Over the last several weeks, speculation has been rife, as is customary when it comes to West Ham and the transfer window. However, compared to most summers, when West Ham are linked with every player under the sun, most of the speculation of late has been about players headed for the exit door.

The Club have just released their new home kit ahead of the 2025/26 season. For eagle eyed Hammers fans, it was certainly interesting to see which first team players made an appearance in the kit launch.

Club captain and star man Jarrod Bowen was unsurprisingly centre stage. Last seasons Hammer of the year Aaron Wan Bissaka was seen in the promotional clip and photographs. Max Kilman and youngsters Ollie Scarles, Freddie Potts and Lewis Orford were also spotted by supporters. As was German international Niclas Fullkrug, who appears determined to stay in East London and produce a more positive campaign than his disappointing first season in Claret and Blue.

A number of first team players who’s futures have been subject to plenty of rumours were not a part of the new kit launch. The likes of Edson Alvarez, Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Emerson were nowhere to be seen.

This is hardly a surprise. Emerson has recently signed with a new agent, with reports linking him with a return to Serie A. Mohammed Kudus has controversially entered into talks with West Ham’s Premier League rivals Tottenham over a potential move, highlighting the dire situation the Hammers find themselves in and just how desperate the Club’s hierarchy are to bring in funds in order to get new signings through the door.

One player many Hammers fans will not have been surprised to see as part of the promotional media for the new home kit is midfielder James Ward Prowse. Unlike many of his teammates there have been no rumours regarding the 30 year old’s future so far this summer.

This may be due to a number of reasons such as his age, the fact he is said to be on around £115,000 at West Ham, in addition, West Ham would be incredibly unlikely to recoup anywhere near the £30 million they paid for Ward Prowse two summers ago meaning if they were to sell him it would be at a massive loss.

Since returning to the Club following the termination of his loan spell at Nottingham Forest, and following Graham Potter’s appointment, the former Southampton man has been a regular starter in the West Ham team.

The midfielder is clearly liked by Hammers boss Graham Potter and appears to be very much a part of his plans for next season.