Feghouli on mega deal

The Paris-born wideman signed a deal worth between £60k and £65k a week plus add ons to join the club after leaving Valencia on a free transfer.

He explained at the time: “Playing in the Premier League is very important for players in their careers and I am happy to play for the Hammers.”

With no transfer fee involved, and his market value at around £14m, Feghouli and his advisors were able to push his wage demands to the limit as the Hammers – like every other club in the PL – was caught in the inflationary spiral affecting the game.

ClaretandHugh was told: “It was an expensive deal and he is on around the sort of figures you mention but the inflation in the game has become like a runaway train.”