News

West Ham Relegation Fear: Star Defender Joins Growing Exit List

Image for West Ham Relegation Fear: Star Defender Joins Growing Exit List

Like many West Ham fans, I have been trying to figure out who, out of the current crop of players, will be poached from the club in the event of relegation, and who would be likely to remain. There are, of course, the obvious candidates who would be off quicker than you could say “Championship dogfight”.

Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes are both likely to be the first out of the door, with admirers domestically and abroad. Fernandes’ recent call-up to the Portuguese national squad will give him a taste of what he’s missing, both in terms of quality teammates but also the clubs they play for. In fact, even in the event of survival, West Ham could struggle to hold on to the player.

Factor in departures for Axel Disasi, Jean-Clair Todibo, Jarrod Bowen, Malick Diouf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and there is not a lot left to make a team up with.

New name emerges in West Ham exit fears

However, there is one late entry to the departure lounge, and that is a certain Konstantinos Mavropanos. Because Dinos has been quietly making something of a reputation for himself at West Ham this season.

No longer is the big Greek understudy to the more expensive players, he is currently performing like one of the best central defenders in the league. And that brings with it unwanted attention.

So anyone who assumed that Mavropanos might be one of the ‘keepers’ in the event of relegation might have to think again.

Share this article

Kris Gonzo (commonly known to the West Ham community as Gonzo) is the co-founder of Hammers Chat (established 2014) and the lead video content creator and columnist for Claret and Hugh.

With over a decade of professional sports media experience, he is a frequent West Ham United analyst and contributor for Sky Sports News, BBC Football Focus, and BBC Radio 5 Live. He previously served as an official video and content creator for West Ham United FC during the club's tenure at Upton Park and featured in the official documentary commemorating the historic final game at the Boleyn Ground.

A lifelong Hammer since the legendary 10-0 victory over Bury, when he isn't providing daily match analysis on the Hammers Chat YouTube Channel or broadcasting on X (@GONZObignose), he can be found walking his dog and restoring classic pinball machines.

9 comments

  • Chris says:

    It is typical of the modern player gone as soon as a club is relegated no responsibility for the drop .

  • Phil Baker says:

    Without a doubt the cream of Westham’s squad will leave after relegation for cheap . Westham would become a minnow within the English leagues and it would take years for a new competent ownership to recover . No more tactical blunders Nuno , Westham probably need 12 more points .

  • Taffyhammer says:

    Thank goodness we are not going down.

    A couple of additions to our squad next season and, judged on current form, we will be up there challenging at the top.

    • FrankieMacsBack says:

      And then you woke up and the nurse brought in those big purple pills you have to take….

  • Rob says:

    Gonzo, so long as the player wants to move and the bid is high enough. Looking at Kilman would make Mav worth about £70 million. Don’t give players away especially if there is lots of interest.

  • Ted fenton says:

    I doubt that anyone in the current first team squad will stay except for young home grown players. Who can blame them with a 50% wage cut.
    The gap between the premier and the championship has grown since our last relegation and is a world away from the late 70’s when Brooking, Bonds, Devonshire, Lampard all stayed.
    Going to be a massive job for someone managing all the ins and outs. Hope we have a plan

    • Jeeps says:

      Whu don’t plan anything in advance.
      It’s obvious to see how they conduct themselves in transfer season.
      That would possibly change if Sullivan was not around.
      No more slip ups Nano squad needs to stay together.

  • Morty says:

    I never thought he would stay in the event of relegation. He is a Greek international and would want to be playing in a top tier league, wherever that might be.

Comments are closed.