Something to improve the mood for thousands of [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/antonio-exit-means-only-one-thing-west-ham-news/) fans who had believed – briefly – that the ‘brave new world’ of transfer windows under Macaulay’s data driven regime might offer hope. The disappointment voiced upon the reports that West Ham’s first signing was likely to be Josh Brownhill was widespread as many simply shrugged and suggested ‘_same old, same old’_ West Ham signings.
Rumours that the 29 year old Burnley captain may is about to swop northern claret for southern claret and blue may be premature. Comments from within the club, relayed by [Hammers news](https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/west-ham-respond-to-major-claims-about-deals-for-burnley-and-man-united-stars/) would point to a surprisingly ‘enlightened’ West Ham philosophy taking hold:
When asked about the Josh Brownhill story, it is reported that West Ham’s spokesman retorted:
_“We actually don’t think Brownhill is as good as the players we have already got and we have a lot of midfielders.’_
To identify Brownhill specifically as ‘not as good’ as existing players can only suggest he’s not London Stadium bound any time soon!
Which has to be a huge step in the right direction, for those who are still hoping for younger, fitter, more exciting midfielders to come across the threshold.
It also confirmed that players need to be shipped out before replacements arrive: The additional line from the spokesman confirmed it:”_We have a tiny bit for wages but we can’t bring players in until we sell.”_
A ‘tiny bit’ : Without Ings, Antonio, Coufal, Fabianksi and Cresswell ‘s wages – is likely to be several hundred thousand a week ‘not’ going out in wages. Which by anyone’s standards is more than a tiny bit.
But it certainly suggests that there’s more to this window than the ‘usual’ _late – career work horses_ being brought in on the cheap: Hammers fans will reserve judgement and have to wait and see for themselves.