Craig “Balon D’awson” as he was known following his hugely successful stint at London Stadium, is in negotiations to have his Wolves contract cancelled and to become a ‘free agent’ this winter. The Hammers were reported to be considering a last minute ‘free’ signing to bolster the back line.
According to The Leicester Mercury, talks between the player and Wolves are ongoing over the cancellation of Dawson’s contract after he was left out of Vitor Pereira’s 25-man squad.
Leicester City and West Ham were both reputed to be interested in signing the defensive stalwart as cover for the remainder of the season.
However, in a sad turn of affairs, the player will be left without an opportunity to play for either: West Ham fans will be denied the chance to see the great Hammers warhorse put his body on the line ‘one more time’ thanks to a little-known regulation.
Because Dawson was not a free agent when the window closed, he is unable to sign for Premier League clubs until the next window opens.
The only free agents West Ham or any other Premier League club are eligible to sign would be those who were out of contract prior to the end of the January transfer window. So no emotional reunion on the cards there. then. D’oh.
According to the mercury: Dawson would still be able to move to a country where the winter window remains open. There’s a few countries around Europe where that is the case, but it’s also true for the US. The window is open for MLS clubs until mid-April as they prepare for the 2025 season.
And West Ham would need to look elsewhere in the free transfer market place if Graham Potter decides he needs the fourth centre back option.
He would be better off coming home to ‘The Dale’ where he would be appreciated and loved ⚽🫂
Hey would be better off coming home to ‘The Dale’s, where he would be appreciated and loved ⚽🫂
What a said state of affairs!! A player no longer wanted by his club is denied the possible opportunity to play elsewhere due to nonsense over regulation created by clueless authoritarians who have never experienced being sidelined, let alone kicked a ⚽️ competitively.
Amazing how Dawson good as he was always seems to get a free pass. He left us to be closer to home no different to admitting Payet who was homesick for France yet broadly slated. Dawson must have regretted it in my opinion when he had to watch from afar as we won a European trophy.
If he needs to be closer to family West Broms just down the road then he will be a premier league player again next season
This isn’t a little known rule and several posters on the site pointed it out when the last article about Dawson was written.
As good as he was for us that was about 3 seasons back, why would we want to sign another old player that is past it.
There’s me believing that the reason Dawson left was to be closer to home, so why on earth would we now believe that there is any possibility of him returning to London, never mind somewhere else on continental Europe. For Dawson and for West Ham, going back would be a mistake.
Another complete non-story
Don’t think this could happen anyway. Each club had to submit their updated 25 man squad lists following the closure of the January transfer window and the Premier League have already published the lists submitted by each manager. Couple of surprises as Luizao who hasn’t yet made a senior team appearance 2 years after being signed, and Joshua Swyer who has only played 13 minutes for the senior team are both included.
The club have also submitted an additional list of registered Under-21 players who are eligible over and above the squad limit of 25 players. These include Ollie Scarles, Evan Ferguson, Lewis Orford, Freddie Potts and Kaelan Casey.
Sorry typo should have said Kamarai Swyer.
not possible if you are not out of contract on deadline day you can’t sign for anyone else even if you cancel your contract
Should’ve gone for Brandon Williams
I spoke with Dawson’s cousin yesterday about these rumours. Although he may well terminate the contract, the reasons for him leaving WHU and moving closer to home still exist. As much as we liked him, he will not be joining us or any other team which takes him away from his family.
No they went to Luizao and Swyer
Martin correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t the last 2 squad places go to Luiazo and Sewyer?