Soon-to-be West Ham majority shareholder Daniel Kretinsky has insisted that the Hammers “don’t need to sell” players this summer.
There have been reports suggesting that the London club have to raise between £100m and £150m to fill a hole in their finances, but speaking to The Times, Kretinsky said:
“We have a very credible strategy. We don’t need to sell the players for financial reasons. We are doing this to make sure we are promoted back to the Premier League immediately. That is our only goal.”
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“Key players are waiting for us. They want to see there is a real chance of keeping the squad together. What matters is funding, strategy and consistency.”
“We have spoken to all of them. They need to see that our project is real and serious. Promotion is our only goal.”
Kretinsky is playing a clever game
You don’t become a billionaire without being a smart businessman, and the Czech’s comments are very much designed to send a message to the vultures circling the club.
Teams are hoping to sign West Ham players on the cheap following their relegation, and these comments are clearly aimed at those considering making lowball offers for his players.
He’s telling Man United and others to pay up for Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes is undoubtedly the club’s prized asset, with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool having been linked with the Portuguese international.
Credible sources are suggesting that Man United are lining up their opening offer for Fernandes, but it could fall well short of the midfielder’s reported £80m to £85m asking price.
Kretinsky’s strategy is to ensure that this isn’t perceived as a fire sale. If Fernandes (and others) depart the London Stadium over the coming weeks, they won’t be let go for a pittance.
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