Whilst I’m in no position to tell anyone when to take their holidays, it appears that **West Ham** are operating at something of a [transfer](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-transfer-news/) window disadvantage.
As reported yesterday, the transfer window is open for a brief ten-day period before resuming again in mid-June. And as Martin wrote, some clubs — like Brentford — have wasted no time getting the ball rolling by handling their business early.
Unfortunately for the Hammers, we seem unable to execute any of our early transfer plans because there’s simply no one present to buy our targets. Not only is chairman [David Sullivan](https://www.claretandhugh.info/david-sullivan-bio/) currently holidaying on a superyacht, but Graham Potter also appears to be having some well-earned downtime.
In an ideal world, this wouldn’t be a problem because a director of football would be on hand to handle such matters. But unfortunately, West Ham decided not to replace the sacked Tim Steidten and instead opted for a different model.
Ordinarily, a manager taking a break after the end of a tough season would be perfectly reasonable. But in Potter’s case, he’s also the man making key transfer decisions. And in the absence of a dedicated deal-closer, David Sullivan has resumed his old role as chief negotiator.
In short, it means the two people most crucial to signing players are both absent at the start of what may be the club’s most important window in years. Incredible!
Perhaps West Ham have some cunning plan, or they’re so confident about landing our primary transfer targets that they feel they can afford to write off the early window? Maybe both men are willing to end their holidays at the drop of a hat and are still negotiating from the sun loungers?
Nonetheless, it feels like an unnecessary risk at best — and at worst… a huge oversight.