Transfer under fifteen million? A bargain, sir!

Following claims this weekend that we are ‘limited’ in our transfer kitty to a modest sixty-something million (C & H 23 June), rather than just discounting this claim as a standard negotiating ploy and continuing to focus on twenty, thirty or heaven forbid forty million-plus players, today a search around the headlines and rumours produced a harvest of ‘decent priced’ opportunities to strengthen our squad.

We remember well the problems we faced with the Declan Rice cash. Having one-hundred million plus in the bank meant that every club immediately increased their asking prices on the basis that West Ham had big bucks to spend. But keeping in mind Sean Whetstone’s comments that perhaps the transfer budget is more modest (C & H 23 June),  instead of focussing on solely ‘marquee’ high value players, it may be worth following up on some of the better priced players seemingly being linked with the Hammers in the last few hours.

Jayden Oosterwolde fits the age profile as a 23-year-old Fenerbahce left back and ‘just’ £11 million. According to a report from Turkish Takvim, apparently we have ‘made an enquiry’ and this would sit well with more recent reports about our desire to bolster our squad in this position, especially if you believe the rumours of Emerson being linked with a move away.

Similarly, Ismael Kone, the 22-year-old Watford central midfielder could bring his impressive pre-Copa America form to London Stadium for around £11 million—at least that’s according to transfermarkt.com. ExWHUEmployee and The Athletic yesterday both reported that we have been looking closely at the player who, again, wouldn’t break the bank but would be a great squad addition especially if Alvarez’s lay-off is protracted.

A few of the players mentioned this weekend do seem risky options due to injury, so even though Callum Wilson  (sigh) is apparently available for under 15 million most would agree that he’s hardly an upgrade on Antonio save for being a little younger. I’m sure I am not the only one who cannot get excited about the prospect of bringing a thirty two year old to London Stadium in this supposed ‘new era’.

Similarly, reports that we are looking at Ryan Sessegnon (Sunday Mirror, 23 June)  are worrying knowing that he managed just EIGHT minutes of football last season. Even being available as a  ‘free’ agent from June 30^th, we’d have to pay wages and take a big gamble on the former Spurs player who is currently training alone to prove his recovery from a hamstring surgery.

A much more appealing option would be Adam Hlozek, as covered by Simon earlier today. Back in the Czech squad for the Euros and appearing against Georgia, Hlozek managed 55 minutes and three shots. Presumably he’s over the ankle injury sustained in April and, at a price in the region of £12 million, he seems a great option for the future–sought after by Leeds too, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Several less high profile, more modestly priced squad members might well be en-route, especially if our funds do turn out to be limited as per reports this weekend. However, having spent around £25 million on ‘just’ acquiring Guillerme who looks like our wonder-teen for the future, I can’t help thinking there might be more cash secretly hidden behind the sofa in the executive boardroom with which to bolster the squad.