West Ham have slammed the door on any major players leaving the club following the departure of Cheik Kouyate.
There have been rumours and speculation surrounding the likes of Pedro Obiang and Michail Antonio with some believing Chicharito could be on his way.
But the club has no intention of letting anyone leave apart from fringe first teamers such as Edi Fernandes, Sam Byram, Reece Oxford and Jordan Hugill should buyers emerge over the next week who are ready to pay the right money.
It was made clear to Pedro Obiang that, although he was attracted to a move back to Sampdoria who had made an offer, there was no time left for the Irons to find a replacement.
Fernandes and Byram are rated at around £5 million with Hugill on offer at about £7 million – a player who is reported to have attracted interest from his hometown club Middlesbrough.
The Hammers reluctance to allow any further departures from the club is a real statement of intent as they prepare for what they hope will be a season of real achievement.
So is Kouyate being replaced as both owners and manager have said any outgoing player will be?
I think the replacement arrived before Cheik’s departure by transfer or internal ‘promotion’. Wilshere, Anderson, Snodgrass, Rice. I think Rice is the guy if we saw Cheik as being at the back of midfield. Zaba can also fit that role if Fredericks is first pick for RB. Pretty good choices 🙂
Disagree spotted, think there is still a CDM to come in and potentially a striker
Sorry to see him leave, great guy. I would have hm anyday ahead of Wilshere.
We don’t have a ready made replacement and £10 million is an absolute steal. We’ll have to pay twice that to fill his boots.
Can’t agree with either of you Johnam and aol, 1. For the past two seasons he has been useless and a passenger2. Wilshere plays in a different position, a CDM will replace Kouyate. Tell me the last assist or goal Kouyate scored for us. I think the price was as it was because of his last two season performances, but yes would have liked to have seen a little more for him but think it was time for him to go!
Must let Snodgrass be sold asp no loan sold as contract up next season and we get zero for an old slow player who adds nothing to a pacy side wanting pacy players.
He would hardly get a game this season and was probably aware or told that. Said himself that he needed a new challenge. He went suddenly downhill around 2 seasons ago and showed absolutely no signs of recovering his early great form for us. Don’t want to fill his boots, we want an upgrade. How can fans blot out the last 2 seasons?