The whole reason for this extra ‘early bird’ transfer window was to allow those clubs who are participating in the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) to perform som last minute strengthening ahead of the tournament, hence the 10 day opening.
Fortunately for West Ham, every Premier League team is allowed to participate in the window, rather than just clubs taking part in CWC. Sadly that also includes Brentford who were off the mark pretty quickly in signing West Ham;s target goal keeper!
The ten day window then closes until the 15th June.
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Several of West Ham’s target players will be actively involved in the CWC and therefore highly unlikely even to be considering their own future whilst a tournament looms. Such is the case with in-demand midfielder Richard Rios, with whom West Ham are again linked today in several publications.
Even if Rios is ready to pick his chosen destination from the pack pursuing him, ( currently FC Porto, Fulham and the Hammers plus January’s interest from Spurs, Forest and Everton) his club are not going to sanction any sale until the conclusion of the competition.
So another case of a purchase where the Hammers will have to play the waiting game, focussing perhaps on getting some of their bankable assets out of the door in the ‘first window,’ between now and 10th June.
Nayef Aguerd certainly springs to mind – The Hammers should leap on reported interest from ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen or Marseille: According to Yahoosport The French club have labelled signing Aguerd a ‘top priority‘ this summer – which surely mens the Irons can push on and bank the reported £20 million likely to be available for the Moroccan ahead of the second window which will be open for business come 15th June.