West Ham: How have the club ended up facing relegation from Premier League?
West Ham were planning to sell players this summer after posting a loss of £104.2 million in the last financial year.
Impending relegation will only put further pressure on the club’s finances.
But the Hammers They give little away when it comes to future planning.
Even though it seems impossible from the outside, for now they maintain their hope that they will succeed in their struggle to survive.
Much will depend on the thinking of chairman David Sullivan and another key shareholder, Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky, who also owns Royal Mail.
There are some players whose departure seems obvious.
midfielder Mateus Fernandes The Portuguese star, who is being studied by many clubs including Manchester United, is a sellable asset.
winger Crysencio Summerville He has found his form in the last few months and could attract attention.
Axel Disasi Despite his good performance in defence, he will likely return to Chelsea when his loan expires on 30 June. Adama Traore He joined from Fulham in January on a permanent deal until the end of the season and has an option for an additional year which has not yet been triggered.
Big decision will surround the captain Jarrod Bowen.
Along with Tomas Soucek and Alphonse Areola, the man whose last-minute goal won the Conference League final is one of three starters still at the club that night.
Bowen, 29, is a crowd favorite and his father-in-law is actor and famous West Ham fan Danny Dyer.
If he can be persuaded to lead West Ham’s bid to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, it would represent a major coup.
But the club and Bowen know there will be a number of clubs interested in signing him for a reasonable fee that will account for some of the club’s financial success.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire said: “But it remains to be seen whether West Ham can get full market value for them, given their age and possible clauses in the contracts.” he said.
“Some players will have relegation clauses, usually not exceeding 25%, so the overall wage bill will be significantly reduced.”
