By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Whilst the movers and shakers at West Ham have been keen to let it be known to supporters and potential buying clubs that the new Hammers board would like to keep key players, there are, of course, a number who are surplus to requirements.
It will come as no surprise, therefore, to discover that Edson Álvarez, Niclas Füllkrug and James Ward-Prowse are available for transfer and not considered to be in the category of key player.
Baldie Doesn’t Forget
It is relatively common knowledge that West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has no particular love for James Ward-Prowse.
I’m not sure how much truth there is in the rumour, but it was very much the talk of the West Ham grapevine last season that JWP had referred to Nuno as “baldie” when the two were together at Nottingham Forest.
As a result, the follically challenged Espírito Santo has no particular love for Ward-Prowse, and he has effectively been told he can find a new club, presumably with a head coach who has more hair.
Füllkrug’s Exit Already Mapped Out
As for Niclas Füllkrug, Claret & Hugh have been informed that agents have been mandated with finding him a new club, and that particular quest has been successful, with a destination very much secured for the former German international.
But there’s just one small problem.
The buying club would very much like to take him on a free transfer, whilst West Ham are looking for a fee.
That could be difficult, considering he spent most of his West Ham career either injured or not scoring goals. A feat Füllkrug managed to replicate during his loan spell at AC Milan last season.
Pants Pulled Down
My own personal opinion is that West Ham have had their pants pulled down with this particular transfer, and we might just have to accept that the 32-year-old is money wasted and unlikely to ever be seen again.
With that in mind, it’s probably wise for the club to concentrate on the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville as a means of recouping some transfer funds.
Not every player is a key player, and West Ham appear to know exactly which category some of their squad now fall into.
Are they still about , that’s unlucky . To be honest I wouldn’t want any of them in the team . We can’t let Falkrug go on a free . Maybe a nominal fee £1 million it’s something . If we can get some decent fees for JWL that would help . He will help the right club but not us . I expect we will get a reasonable fee . Alveraz well again maybe 5-6 million , would snatch their hands off for that !