Barry Silkman is a football and music agent, as well as a former Manchester City player. Known widely as “Silky”, he was responsible for the deals that brought Tomáš Souček, Lucas Paquetá and Jean-Clair Todibo to West Ham United, and has also represented some of the biggest names in football, including Brazil legend Roberto Carlos.
Speaking exclusively to Claret & Hugh today, Silkman discussed the uphill struggle facing West Ham as they attempt to sign players while sitting in the relegation places of the Premier League.
“West Ham are in trouble at the moment and every potential signing is fully aware of it,” Silkman said. “From the outset, the club are going to find it difficult to attract players. When I first brought Tomáš Souček to West Ham, the reason it was only a loan deal to begin with was because he was worried about relegation. The same thing will be happening now.
“Signing players in January is never easy, but getting anyone decent is even tougher. I remember when I brought Demba Ba to Upton Park many years ago — West Ham were in a similar situation. Demba was a good player and scored 8 goals, but the only reason he signed was because he had failed medicals at other clubs.”
Barry Silkman (third left) pictured after bringing Lucas Paqueta to the Hammers
Why January Is So Difficult
“West Ham need something similar now, but nobody decent is going to sign a long-term deal at the moment,” he continued. “Having said that, the club are desperate for a striker. It is very difficult to win games at the highest level without an out-and-out number nine and a focal point to your attack.
“The facts are that really good players do not want to be in a team facing a relegation battle. The second biggest issue is convincing a selling club to let a really good player go mid-season.
“But West Ham need a number nine for the rest of the players to aim at. You might get away without a striker if you have world-class players, but West Ham need to sign at least one striker in January.”
Silkman added: “It is going to be very difficult, and I know everyone behind the scenes at West Ham is incredibly busy trying to get business done. There is a crazy amount of work going on behind the scenes, but convincing players to join is not easy. They need a striker, and they have to get one — possibly even a back-up too. The situation is very difficult, but hopefully they can get out of it.”
If I was a decent striker and West Ham came calling, I’d say thanks but no thanks, and I’m a lifelong fan! Let’s get real, unless we overpay massively, agree a relegation release clause and give the Mrs a credit card, we ain’t attracting anyone half decent. Calvert-Lewin was too injury prone, Brobey was too slow, yet both look good enough to walk into our first 11. And don’t get me started on Victor, the Forest keeper, who we stood up!
I think the word he was looking for was ‘ impossible’!