Exclusive: West Ham Tell Key Players They Want Them To Stay

By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)

West Ham have informed every key player of their wish to keep them in an effort to make an instant return to the Premier League.

Like many, I had suspected some of the positive noises emanating from the club were part negotiating tactic as the Hammers set about flexing their new financial muscles to the football world.

Almost every story coming from within the corridors of power at the moment screams ambition, and that certainly applies to retaining players.

Kretinsky’s Message Is Clear

Claret & Hugh have heard directly from one of the players’ agents over the past 24 hours, who told us:

“Kretinsky has said he wants to keep everyone.”

It’s a simple message, but an important one.

The new hierarchy appear determined to give themselves the best possible chance of returning to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Not Everyone Will Stay

Of course, there is a realism and acceptance within the club that not every key player will want to spend a season in the Championship.

Some will have opportunities elsewhere and some will simply feel their careers are better served by remaining in top-flight football.

It’s also doubtful that anybody will be kept against their wishes.

However, the message being delivered to players and their representatives is clear.

West Ham want them to commit to one season in the Championship and help get the club back into the Premier League.

Actions Matching The Words

What’s perhaps most encouraging is that the messaging appears consistent across the board.

Whether it’s plans for a new training ground, proposed improvements to the London Stadium, the search for a Director of Football or attempts to retain key players, the theme remains the same.

Ambition.

Let’s be brutally honest, West Ham are unlikely to convince the likes of Mateus Fernandes, Crysencio Summerville to stay.

But what is becoming increasingly clear is that Daniel Kretinsky and his team are making a genuine effort to keep the squad together rather than oversee a mass exodus.