By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham United’s key players have been informed via email that the club has no intention of selling them this summer.
The email went out via Jiří Švarc on behalf of Daniel Kretinsky and was sent to all key players and their agents.
When I checked with one of the current West Ham players’ agents to try and discover whether the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville were included in the list, I was told:
“Everyone is.”
“We Don’t Have To Sell Anyone”
The news is an incredible turn of events but completely consistent with the messaging coming from the club, which is simply:
“We don’t have to sell anyone.”
That is a far cry from the annual tales of doom and gloom supporters had become accustomed to hearing.
And it seems Daniel Kretinsky and his team are determined to back up those words with actions.
Not Everyone Is A Key Player
It has been made clear to me that the likes of Niclas Füllkrug are not considered key players.
And possibly neither is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with West Ham offering him to Everton rather than the other way around.
So whilst the message to the stars has been “you’re staying”, there are clearly others who are available.
Can West Ham Really Pull It Off?
It’s difficult to see quite how West Ham will be able to pull this off given the interest in Fernandes in particular.
My own personal opinion is that some players will force their way out, especially given the 50% relegation wage drop which affects everyone apart from Jarrod Bowen.
But this stance from Kretinsky is incredible and demonstrates his determination to say to the players:
“You got us into this mess, now get us out of it.”
Whether that proves realistic remains to be seen.
But for the first time in a very long time, West Ham appear to be negotiating from a position of strength rather than weakness.
Reading between the lines, likely just PR to counter the “fire sale” desperation assumptions. Designed to maximise the return on assets as opposed to getting anyone to stay.
I’d say this is more a message to potential buying clubs. I’m not sure we’d be able to hold on to all the players we’d like to keep while we’re in the championship, but it reinforces the position that we don’t have to sell and any offer needs to be big enough to make it worth our while.
The bottom line is..They will have to force a move…Then sit in the reserves ..This will apply to all the players…I like it!…No one is bigger than the club!!….We have a mission to complete..Get on board or disappear..As the italians say…FORZA!!!!!!
About time someone made players stand by legal contracts! I do not believe most would down tools and if you get the odd one then let them dwell in reserves. Send out a strong message and this will pay off for West Ham & any business in the long run. I am thinking Kretinsky understands this and has the money to stand by these principles! Do not let players easily damage an institution like West Ham for their own personal no loyalty gain!
I know I’m normally pretty optimistic but this is brilliant news. Thanks Gonzo.
Gonzo Weve all got to be positive now Weve had several years of doom and gloom and false promises and got used to it Stuck in our ways New chairman New start COYI L ETS EMBRACE IT
For certain players, the club need not enforce the 50% wage reduction. I’m sure they would consider this if they had a chance to retain Fernandes and Summerville
It only makes sense. If the club says nothing agents will be out hawking their clients in the belief that the club can’t afford to keep them. As I’ve said before that leads to players having ‘their heart set’ on going to a ‘big’ club on a deal that makes them and their agents a lot of money and stiffs West Ham. It also passes a message to agents, don’t presume we’re going to put money in the pot to help your client move on. And lastly, if your client is having any thoughts about downing tools because he can’t get one of your manufactured moves, read the contract. We’ve said we want your client to stay on the contract he and you agreed.
I don’t think he can say they are staying.
Unfortunately contracts mean nothing
Yes they were happy to sign for mega money and agreed drop in wages, but probably never visualised going down.
I am afraid there is no loyalty anymore,yes their poor efforts in a lot of games and good displays on and off just did not make sense.
I don’t think it is any point keeping a player when Fernandes has already said he wants to leave. Is it not better just to cash in at our price than him sulk all season,which he will.And buy someone who wants to play for us
We need players up for the fight and get us straight back up
In essence I agree with your arguments. The one proviso I would look at is rigid purchase prices. Adopt the attitude that you signed a contract in good faith, honour it or we release you at our price. I really think that DK is of a strong enough mindset engorce that
Informed by email is more likely to p1ss people off than encourage them to stay.
That sort of news needs to be personal.
Let’s hope this isn’t the first cock up of the Kretinsky era.
Agreed 32.
I’d like to believe that phone calls have been made and that the email is formal verification of said prior phone call to avoid ambiguity.