IT seems [West Ham’](https://www.claretandhugh.info/transfer-window-chaos-west-ham-midfield-target-carried-off-injured/)s pre-deadline day fire sale continues. After the departure of ten stars already this summer, next cab off the rank is likely to be Brazilian **Emerson Palmieri**. Twitter and Web accounts have been alive with the story today that West Ham’s out of favour 31 year old trophy winner is off to Marseille.
The terms seem ‘puzzling’, to be polite. Whilst we await official confirmation, it seems the left sided defender is indeed leaving on a free transfer. No fee. S[igned for £13 million](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/emerson/profil/spieler/181778) in August 2022 – according to _transfermarkt.com_ and incidentally ,even by their conservative standards the Brazilian is worth €10 million today.
No doubt this is part of some great strategy that I fail to understand. Not £5 million, £7 million, nothing. Several West Ham – fan twitter accounts have been aghast with indignation that after making him wait all summer, separated from the squad like a claret and blue leper, West Ham have just caved and are letting him head to Marseille for zero transfer fee.
I’m mindful of the comments from one Claret and Hugh reader who claimed I was being ultra-negative. I do challenge anyone to find the positive in that deal – which is jaw dropping. Emerson still has a full year on his contract plus another year optioned to West Ham. And yet the best that the club can do is pack him off on his way with no return for PSR calculations nor the transfer fund whatsoever.
And then again, considering the finances in greater depth – yes, of course, there is a positive: At least his wages – reported to be in the region of £4.95 million a year – are off the Hammers’ payroll. Considering earlier in the window it was suggested that £5-£10 million would be a suitable transfer fee, though, it is still an eyebrow-raising climbdown.
And we hear a whisper that the same as yet unconfirmed situation may be brewing for another squad member to be allowed to leave on a free: I’ll wager it isn’t Maxi Cornet. Don’t think they can give him away.