West Ham’s £145M Transfer Kitty: When incoming manager Julen Lopetegui arrives at West Ham his first job will be a complete overhaul of his squad.
A war chest of £30m from West Ham’s European adventure will be available, with a further £30m from the billionaire owners in loans, money from previous transfers. Should Lucas Paqueta depart, it’s likely the club will hold out for £85m which is the sum they can demand for his exit clause and this money will similarly be put to good use.
Therefore, Tim Steiden could have around £145m to spend, not including monies from any additional player sales.
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Angelo Ogbonna’s contract is expiring and the Italian has signalled he would be keen on a further one year deal, yet at 35 it’s unlikely the club will renew, so the player will leave on a free transfer.
Oddly enough it is rumoured that West Ham did offer Aaron Creswell (34) a one year contract, yet the free agent has declined and will seek new pastures, with suggestions Wolves will sign the left-back.
As I already mentioned in a previous article Ben Johnson has refused to sign a new contract and is likely to join Crystal Palace who have been tracking the player for some time.
With all these departures, further bad news follows, as Nayef Aguerd has made it clear that he wishes to leave the club, and is seeking a move abroad. There was hope within the club that with a new manager, who had previously tried to sign the Moroccan international that he could be swayed to stay, yet that doesn’t seem to be the case.
The club could force him to remain as his contact runs to June 2027. It is also unlikely West Ham will recoup the £30m they shelled out for the player in 2022.
Marseille have been linked with a loan to buy offer which serves no purpose, yet a big money move to the Saudi league, either Al-Itihad or Al Qadsiah could work for all parties.
The striker search is already underway
It is not guaranteed that Michail Antonio will still be at the London stadium next season. Danny Ings salary will put off many clubs, yet Divin Mubama will be leaving having barely kicked a ball in anger. The Newham born youngster has been with the club for over a decade. Some on social media have suggested he may have had his head turned by his agent and the lure of a signing on fee?
There are also suggestions that a new club will be announced not long after the 30th June.
West Ham did try and retain his services yet talks broke down back in March.
It’s a shame as previous moves away by Harrison Ashby, Jeremy Ngakia and Sonny Perkins are all good examples of transfers that haven’t necessarily worked well.
Other players set to leave include Thilo Kehrer and Said Benrahma. Flynn Downes will be given a chance to impress in pre-season, and Andrew Irving will join up for the first time when his loan at Austria Klagenfurt ends.
It clearly is going to be a very busy summer for Tim Steiden and the incoming back room staff!
