West Ham’s Unlikely Transfer Just Doesn’t Add-up

West Ham moving for Jack Grealish? That’s a hard one to believe—for a multitude of reasons. Most importantly: finances. But the rumour seems to be gathering steam.

TBR Football, London World, and a whole host of social media ITKs I’ve never heard of are now linking the Hammers with an unlikely move for the out-of-favour Manchester City star.

I’ve little doubt that Pep Guardiola will use 29-year-old Grealish sparingly next season—if at all. Recruitment at the Etihad has been impressive this summer, and it’s clear City are going all out to reclaim the Premier League title from Liverpool.

So it’s safe to assume Grealish could be offloaded, and there’s no way City won’t take a huge financial hit in the process.

As for a move to West Ham? It feels unlikely. Firstly, it goes against Graham Potter’s mandate to lower the average age of the squad. Grealish is still a fine player and should be entering his prime, but—much like when Joe Cole moved to Chelsea—he seems to have lost some of that maverick spark as part of Pep’s City machine.

I’ve no doubt he’d be a good signing for someone. If Harry Redknapp were still knocking about, he’d probably snap him up in a heartbeat.

But Grealish won’t come cheap. Even a subsidised loan would be too pricey for West Ham. How much a 29-year-old former £100m player is worth now is anyone’s guess, but Sheikh Mansour won’t be giving him away.

Personally, I’d stick with what Potter’s doing: recruit young, hungry, up-and-coming players. Talk of Giannis Konstantelias has quietened recently, but Mateus Fernandes is believed to be a target—and those names make far more sense.

Not that I’d complain if Grealish rocked up at the London Stadium. I just can’t see it. In fact, I’m struggling to imagine where he’ll be playing at all next season.