Those familiar with the comedy Little Britain will recall the receptionist endlessly typing and muttering “Computer says no!” – a phrase that seems increasingly relevant to Graham Potter as he navigates the current transfer landscape at [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-transfers-kudus-bowen-and-a-big-liverpool-challenge/). Several existing players are keen to move on while key transfer targets are showing little interest in joining the club – despite West Ham being ranked the 16th richest club in the world – according to a recent report from Benchmark Group.
Angel Gomes has not responded to West Ham since February, and Jonathan David looks set to join Napoli – for Champions League Football. Even promising players from smaller clubs such as Ezechiel Banzuzi decided that RB Leipzig was a better option for furthering his career than playing at the London stadium.
With the club’s transfer strategy heavily reliant on players sales to generate funds – this summer’s transfer window could resemble a car boot sale – where the best items are quickly picked off, leaving behind what few others want as the market closes.
Head of Recruitment Kyle Macaulay’s data-driven recruitment approach will arguably _highlight the same players_ that Brighton, Brentford and other analytically inclined clubs have similarly identified. As a result, deals will likely hinge more on wages and guaranteed playing time than dreams of silverware or European nights.
Ipswich Town spent over £100m last season in an effort to survive in the Premier League, a strategy that sadly back fired – West Ham will, after player sales, likely have a similar budget. Data will be key in Macaulay’s case to source and track the most suitable.
Celtic ‘B’ striker, Daniel Cummings, has agreed to join West Ham, which is a deal that Mark Noble pursued. However, there are conflicting reports about whether he will join the first team or be part of the development squad.
With five players being targeted for the senior team, and the decision to work with a small squad – the strategy is high risk and one that could carry serious consequences.