[West Ham’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/the-devils-in-the-detail-are-west-ham-chasing-a-new-paqueta/) transfer business is – we can but hope – in a new phase with Graham Potter and Kyle Macaulay in the mix alongside David Sullivan. Last season’s spree with Lopetegui and Steidten having their own personnel choices involved a number of transfer ‘mis-steps’ as the Irons ‘ haphazard spend of £140 million took shape.
_The flawed policy of bringing in thirty-somethings has already been discussed at length: But what is also clear is that paying the big bucks to attract so -called ‘big hitters’ means that these same older players stick, limpet like, to their deals and are a huge drain on resources: Danny Ings being the classic example._
Guido Rodriguez, however, appears the latest West Ham ‘veteran’ who has publicly stated ‘I’ll stay and fight for my place”as did Ings one year ago.
Very noble I’m sure. The reality is likely less to do with professional pride and more to do with economics. Rodriguez’ seventy five thousand pounds a week salary is more than two and a half times what he was earning before he joined West Ham, and probably completely out of reach for sides in La Liga where he’d likely be headed.
The latest ‘interest’ reported at the end of last week from Argentina has also apparently ‘evaporated’ – West Ham are more than likely going to be stuck with another unwanted squad member on their books for the duration of his contract. Which is June 30th 2027.
At least Rodriguez was a ‘free’ signing but no doubt several million went to the player as is the custom with Bosman deals. No chance of recouping that!
Quite possibly the Argentine world – cup winner will repeat the path travelled by Nayef Aguerd – loaned out to a Spanish side with West Ham having subsidise most of his wages. No wonder the club finances aren’t much to write home about.