Optimism was raised at West Ham during the summer when the board finally backed a manager, giving Manuel Pellegrini a fair chunk of money to spend in order to help implement his attractive style of play.
But not all of the new arrivals were a success and while it is tough to judge some of them as they have been injured, we’ve taken a look at three players Pellegrini will have expected more from.
Lucas Perez
Perez was brought in as a versatile backup option from Arsenal, but failed to force himself into the side for much of the season, even as Marko Arnautovic battled with injury.
A recent double sparked hopes he could step in during the Christmas period, but injury curtailed his chances of putting together a run in the side.
Ryan Fredericks
Amid a summer of heavy spending, getting Fredericks in for free from Fulham looked a coup that would allow Pellegrini to increase the speed of his full backs.
But the Englishman proved to be out of his depth defensively in the Premier League and lost his place to Pablo Zabaleta before suffering an injury.
Jack Wilshere
Pellegrini’s style of play requires a more technical profile of midfielder and Wilshere looked a coup on a free transfer.
But he struggled to nail down a set position before his injury problems flared up again; he could be out for the season, making him a transfer risk that has not paid off.