West Ham have recently been loudly telling anyone who’ll listen that the club is flat broke and up against it with PSR (Profit and Sustainability Regulations).
The consistent message coming from the club is: “We’ll have to sell before we can buy.” As a result, most fans aren’t expecting much transfer business early in the window.
But let’s be honest — we’ve heard this all before.
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Every season, West Ham officials plead poverty, only for the club to go out and spend heavily in the summer. Just like last year.
This time, though, we’re being told it’s different. No European football, Reduced Premier League prize money & Lower ticketing income. Just some of the reasons are being wheeled out to justify the doom and gloom.
Personally, I don’t mind it as a negotiating ploy — why announce your budget before a negotiation? That said, Claret & Hugh have been consistently informed by sources at the London Stadium that “We’re right up against it with FFP.”
So today’s New York Times PSR round-up might come as a surprise — because it paints a relatively healthy picture of West Ham’s financial status.
Here’s how they rank in estimated PSR headroom:
Of course, there’s a difference between PSR room and actual cash flow, which may still be the club’s main issue. But as C&H have reported for some time, West Ham should at least be okay on the wage front.
Confused? You’re not alone. But it looks like the Hammers aren’t quite as brassic as they’re making out — though probably not as flush as in the last few years either.
Either way, expect several high-profile sales as Graham Potter reshapes his squad.