Reports that West Ham could demand £10m for midfielder Guido Rodriguez have been addressed by a top club source.
The Argentine World Cup winner signed on a free transfer last summer but has barely featured under new Hammers boss Graham Potter. Rodriguez is certain to leave at the end of the season, with Real Betis and other La Liga clubs still interested.
Former Irons midfielder Martin Allen has suggested in an interview with West Ham Zone that the club could fetch as much as £10m for the 31-year-old.
“I don’t think he’s happy, and Potter seems set on bringing in an English or British core to his side. If they could get £10m from a free transfer, they would be absolutely delighted,” claimed ‘Mad Dog’ Allen.
However, Claret & Hugh were informed by a London Stadium insider: “Rodriguez was signed on a Bosman, but he got a big signing-on fee, and we paid his agent.” When we asked if the club were demanding or could expect £10m for the player the amused reply was simply, “In our dreams”.
When we spoke to our top source in January, it was clear the club simply wanted to recoup their money for a player who seems surplus to requirements. West Ham would need nowhere near £10m to cover their costs, which likely amount to no more than £5m, and the club would be happy to get that back.
A source close to the club told C&H; “I think they just want him off the books to be honest, it hasn’t really worked out”.
Rodriguez was signed under former Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui on a two-year deal as cover for Edson Álvarez, who was injured at the beginning of the season.
Westham are obliged to get as much as possible for every player regardless of what was paid for them . Somewhere between 5 and 10 million seems about right for Rodrigues .
Westham are obliged to get as much as possible for every player regardless of what was paid for them . Somewhere between 5 and 10 million seems about right for Rodrigues .