West Ham’s decision not to sign Memphis Depay this summer, primarily due to Danny Ings’ hefty wages, is a frustrating reminder of how football finances can limit a club’s potential. Depay, available on a free transfer and with a wealth of experience, seemed like a no-brainer, especially given the state of West Ham’s striker options. While Niclas Füllkrug is still adjusting, Michail Antonio’s declining form and Ings’ struggles make the need for a reliable forward even more pressing.
The fact that Ings’ salary effectively blocked this deal will understandably infuriate fans. Ings has yet to justify his high wages, and his reluctance to move elsewhere, presumably due to a potential pay cut, puts West Ham in a difficult position. Paying a player more than his current form warrants restricts the club from pursuing quality alternatives like Depay, who could have filled a crucial gap.
This situation highlights the pitfalls of bloated contracts, especially when a player’s performance doesn’t align with their salary. It’s a shame that West Ham missed out on Depay, but the burden of Ings’ wages made it a non-starter. The hope now is that Ings can silence his critics and show he stayed for footballing reasons, not just the money.
Let’s hope Ings starts producing the goals to justify the obscene wage he gets. But somehow, I don’t think that’s going to happen.