The prospect of West Ham signing Portugal’s latest up and coming young talent (no overuse of ‘wonderkid’ this time) is intriguing on several levels for Hammers fans still coming to terms with the departure of Mateus Fernandes.
The two are different types of players who share a nationality – apparently, Fernandes the deeper, more robust with Sá the more advanced, number ten style – but the possibility of the Irons pulling such a highly rated talent out of the ether has certainly got the fan base talking.
And the most refreshing thing of all – should the Portuguese press be proven right, of course, and Sá actually materialise at London Stadium in the next few days – is that it has all happened without a squeak of a leak from the Hammers’ side.
In Gold & Kretinsky’s brave new world the ship is nailed down tight.
And that’s the point.
Undoubtedly, keeping quiet on the Fernandes negotiations until a deal was concluded shifted the narrative and more than likely forced Spurs to pay through the nose. Bravo.
Continuing in this vein will make West Ham something of a force to be reckoned with in the transfer window again, after years of being mocked or outmanoeuvred in public with the customary ‘we tried’ laments as failed bids piled up and supporter expectations were raised and then dashed.
Whilst it might make the job harder for those who write about it, the ‘new era’ West Ham United offers fans that enticing prospect: A well resourced, professionally managed club acting in a dignified, dare we say ‘competent’ manner in the transfer market and the boardroom.
Whilst there are two sides in each transfer there will always be those who seek to shine the light of publicity on player movements – hence the Portuguese press’ exposé on Gustavo Sá’s possible transfer – so don’t expect the rumour mill to be silenced entirely.
Agents and ITK’s will always drop their own agenda into the media so there’ll be plenty to keep an eye on.
However, writing as a ‘fan’ first it is hugely refreshing to see the club – of which we are all desperate to be so proud – finally acting in a manner more becoming to a ‘massive’ football club – rather than in the grubby manner of a Whitechapel market street trader.
Is it possible that one reason we are relatively silent at present is that nobody appears to know whether – for example – Kretinsky HAS invested more capital or the club has issued additional shares? If we knew this, we’d have a much clearer idea of the monies available for any new squad players or, of the straightjacket freezing us in place until we make additional sales. The problem is that if and when our finances are clarified, all the other clubs will also know where we stand.
Is there an expected time frame when we’ll know, for example, whether we can meet the new net loss rules (£105m over 3 years) or if we are already facing potential points deductions. I suspect that Summerville’s departure is so well-established that he’s gone from our plans, but does his sale see us close to breaking even or still in the mire?
Maybe the rumour mill could focus on other aspects such as likely tactical formations any linked players might bring with information spills from the other side.
We are all suffering from a mild form of PTSD – it takes time to heal.
The patient needs time to become accustomed to his/her new environment.
Patience required. Please avoid any startling news, keep it steady, nice & easy. Thank you.