Long term player deals come back to haunt Irons

West Ham’ decision to hand out long term contracts to various players is coming back to haunt them in a big way.

The club needs desperately to unload certain individuals but the decision to give them improved deals over a number of years to protect their values in the market has fallen flat on its face given Covid19.

There was huge surprise among some fans  when both Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell received new deals which took them to 2024 and 2023 respectively.

That was done to ensure the Hammers received decent offers but in reality  it has meant the club has made a rod for its own back.

For those two – along with Manu Lanzini whose contract runs out in 2023 – will be reluctant to move on should offers come in given they will have to take pay cuts in the current circumstances of anything up to 30 per cent on likely earnings of around £60k a week plus.

Injury stricken Winston Reid is another who is in contract until 2023 and with the problems he has experienced unlikely to ever see first team action again or able to join a club on anything like the salary he now commands.