Keeping hold of star players this summer was always going to depend primarily on avoiding relegation: Chances are, being condemned to the championship come August would see an exodus to match the 2003 relegation that saw West Ham’s “too good to go down” squad decimated.
However it seems that even should West Ham complete the 2026 version of the Great Escape, contingency plans are being made across London for an attempt to steal high value Hammers. Chelsea are the latest, according to footballinsider247.com, to be casting envious eyes at Mateus Fernandes Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville.
Nothing new in that. We’ve been listening to these ‘reports and speculation’ ever since the January window closed. However in Chelsea’s case the urgency to recruit is ratcheting up with news that one of their own star players is likely departing at the end of next month:
“West Ham United to suffer as Chelsea desperate for Enzo Fernandez contingency plan”
Runs their article this afternoon, claiming that:
“West Ham United could find their squad being raided by Chelsea as Enzo Fernandez edges towards a summer exit from Stamford Bridge. Supporters are well aware of the repercussions of relegation to the Championship, with Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes all being linked with moves away.”
No fire sale at London Stadium if West Ham survive the drop.
And this isn’t just a Chelsea fan site speculating or thinking fancifully. Apparently :
“All signs point towards Fernandez switching life in the Premier League for the Bernabeu ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, and the Hammers could be hit hardest as a result of his exit.”
Only my opinion, of course, but I’d beg to differ. If West Ham survive the season with their status intact, both Summerville and Fernandes will be significantly appreciating assets and without the need for a ‘fire sale’, David Sullivan won’t be keen on letting either of his stars depart for modest prices.
Another twelve months could see them double in value and repair West Ham’s finances in the same way Declan Rice did a couple of years ago.
I love the way Fernandes plays, and sure I’d like hime to be with us next season, but an offer of 60 million plus Disasi, would be too good to refuse.
That could be enough to :
….. hang onto everyone else
….. let some of the youngsters
….. look for a couple of decent loan players
….. allow Kante Magassa & Potts a chance to make it
….. and maybe keep Alvarez as cover if they dont
Although I like the lad, I’d let Areola go, try to clear out Kilman, JWP and the others (apart from Alvarez)coming back off loan
Disasi is the key though
Lets just concentrate on staying up..players leaving or staying can wait until thats happened
A lot of high earners will depart in the summer (the big 4 currently on loan!!) and that should reduce a million or two off of the monthly outgoings in wages
I’m sure Disasi can tell them about the “delights” of joining Chelsea, should they be tempted
I love the way Fernandes plays, and sure I’d like hime to be with us next season, but an offer of 60 million plus Disasi, would be too good to refuse.
That could be enough to :
….. hang onto everyone else
….. let some of the youngsters
….. look for a couple of decent loan players
….. allow Kante Magassa & Potts a chance to make it
….. and maybe keep Alvarez as cover if they dont
Although I like the lad, I’d let Areola go, try to clear out Kilman, JWP and the others (apart from Alvarez)coming back off loan
Disasi is the key though