Earlier in the week, C&H received confirmation from a top source at the club that manager Graham Potter has the final say on all transfers—and if both he and Kyle Macaulay don’t want them, they wouldn’t be signed.
However, even following this statement, West Ham United’s reported transfer activity still seems to show the influence of football agent Will Salthouse and his agency, Unique Sports Group (USG). With deep ties to the club’s ownership and a growing pool of promising talent, USG appears still to be influencing the Hammers’ recruitment strategy.
Will Salthouse, co-CEO of Unique Sports Group, is more than just an agent—he’s rumoured to be a trusted figure within West Ham’s inner circle. His close relationship with chairman David Sullivan and his family has made him a key player in the club’s decision-making process. From managerial appointments to player acquisitions, Salthouse’s influence seems to grow. He was reportedly instrumental in the hiring of Julen Lopetegui as manager and played a pivotal role in the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United. More recently, Salthouse reportedly approached West Ham over a move for free agent Callum Wilson.
Only this week it has been revealed that the Hammers are in talks with Aston Villa’s midfielder Jacob Ramsey – who is yet another USG client.
In January of this year, Daily Telegraph journalist Sam Wallace pulled no punches regarding the influence Salthouse has had on West Ham’s transfers.
Wallace wrote: “West Ham’s summer window [2024] was unimpressive to say the least… it will be the same people who oversaw it whom Potter will be obliged to work with. One assumes there may be further USG deals with West Ham listed in the next FA summary of intermediary activity.”
Mixed bag. USG were involved Wan Bissaka and Lopetegui
Agents growing portfolio
The agency also represents Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who was linked with a move to the London Stadium earlier in the transfer window.
The club’s recent interest in bolstering its goalkeeping options has led to inevitable links to two young goalkeepers on USG’s client list: Pierce Charles of Sheffield Wednesday and Michael Cooper from Sheffield United. That said, a transfer insider has indicated that Cooper is not a serious target, with Potter’s preferred options being Hermansen and Suzuki. Time will tell.
Many critics argue that Salthouse’s influence could limit the club’s independence, and West Ham fans remain divided on the ethics of agent involvement—but one thing is clear: Will Salthouse and Unique Sports Group are becoming increasing linked to ever-more transfer rumours. Whether those rumours translate to actual deals remains to be seen—but the current transfer window could offer more clues as to who really has the influence.
Ultimately, it’s down to the quality of players recruited. Nobody complains when the likes of AWB, Craig Dawson, and Aaron Cresswell provide good value. But if the next month sees the arrival of Wilson, Cooper, and Harwood-Bellis, the assertion that Potter is in charge of transfers will be tough to believe.
We are an embarrassment and a shambles.
What are the rest of the board saying when Sully is running this club like a 2nd Division Australian club
Antonio,Cresswell, Dawson, Benrahma, Wan Bisssker were all Salthouse signings. Didn’t turn out too badly did they?
This is the sort of thing we have come to expect from Sullivan doing his mate huge favours that are not in the best interests of the club as a striker Wilson is more or less finished in that position but Sullivan thinks he will come into the club and score goals galore it just won’t happen he is no longer a player that is good enough for the premier league signing him would be a disaster and a huge step backwards it would be a complete waste of money everyone apart from our club owners knows it so what is going on at board level until Sullivan sells up along with the rest of the clowns that are part owners nothing will change
Anyone who suggest ways to keep pennies in his pocket will get Sullivans attention. This agent has far too much influence on signings, basically anyone he has on his books. Calum Wilson should never be offered any contract despite being a free agent. He spends more time in the treatment room than on the pitch. His wages won’t be cheap but a absolute waste of money due to the fact he is an injury waiting to happen. Him and Antonio will end up having there own treatment tables.
The real answer to this question is of course David Sullivan. He has always had control over recruitment. This season returning to his identifying and negotiating role, KWP and Wilson and now this Brazilian keeper. He has power of veto and always has on every inbound and outbound player