West Ham’s summer of having to ‘sell before buying’ has been portrayed as the transfer window when players need to be shifted before new reinforcements can be added: If you like, the ‘road blocks’ to a rebuild are the tried and found wanting members of the current squad. In precarious, typically West Ham fashion, movement is starting late in the window. First, Edson Alvarez has been dispatched to Turkey on a loan-with-option-to-buy deal which will make the Hammers a small profit should Fenerbahce decide to keep him in 12 months time.
Next up in the departure lounge would seem to be Guido Rodriguez: Sportwitness.co.uk claiming this morning that Spanish side Espanyol are keen to take Rodriguez to La Liga and that, crucially, Rodriguez himself has now green-lit the move.
However as with most of West Ham’s overpaid, older squad members, a transfer will be difficult owing to Rodriguez’ current deal and the Hammers’ unrealistic expectations of a transfer fee. According to sportwitness:
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“Espanyol have to find an agreement with the Hammers to conclude the operation, and this is where the problem lies. While the 31-year-old has given his approval, the tug-of-war between the two clubs continue. They are looking for a loan deal with Graham Potter’s side covering part of the salary. The report say West Ham are currently ‘inflexible’ and are demanding a high purchase clause.
Alternative formulas like a loan with an option to buy instead of an obligation, a preferential option to sign one of the current players or shared ownership is being explored to convince West Ham to lower their demands. There’s no mention of the London club’s response..[but] there’s ‘certain optimism on both sides’ that Rodríguez will eventually join Espanyol.”
Which is all well and good providing there is a plan in place to bring in Alvarez and Rodriguez replacements by 1st September.
Whilst the two are only mediocre performers, without the duo West Ham would be left with just the two front line ‘trundlers’ – Ward Prowse and Soucek – plus the as yet un-debuted Freddie Potts. Even Potter and Sullivan cannot be that blasé after the woeful start to the season.
Cynics will again shout the name of Josh Brownhill as the likely designated ‘reinforcement’, available on a free and at best a ‘modest’ Rodriguez upgrade. Does Potter have higher aspirations?