With relegation confirmed, the Hammers have to scale back spending and try and make a dent in the colossal debt which the board are carrying.
Still-owing transfer payment debts from previous windows are huge – £190 million being the total outstanding which, along with last season’s £105m losses, has already heralded the firing of the starting gun even though the summer transfer window marathon doesn’t open until 15th June.
Bracing themselves for offers for their top talent, West Ham supporters have been silently preparing for the likely departure of their top talent. Fernandes, Summerville, Bowen, Diouf and Castellanos might be expected departees, some ‘insiders’ claiming there’ll likely be double digit departures in an exodus not seen since 2003.
However few would have put Konstantinos Mavropanos at the front of the exit aisle.
Dino Mavropanos puts in a crunching tackle
Mavropanos – at the peak of his powers
According to thehardtackle.com the Bundesliga beckons for the Hammer of the Year who went through a transformational season in West Ham’s defence:
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“Konstantinos Mavropanos has already been linked with an exit, and clubs like Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund are interested in securing his signature. The 28-year-old has done quite well in the Premier League, and he has the ability to succeed in German football as well. He could prove to be an excellent acquisition for the right team.
According to FussballDaten, West Ham United would be willing to sanction his departure for a fee of around €20-€25 million. ( about £17 – £22 million).
The 28-year-old defender is at the peak of his powers, and the asking price seems quite reasonable for a player of his quality.”
Much as West Ham fans might want Mavropanos to stay, the lure of European football is likely to be great for one who is, as the report suggests, right at the peak of his powers. West Ham will need to find £100 million – plus – from somewhere.. So it sounds as if the Hammer of the Year is likely to be one of the first out of the London Stadium door when next month’s silly season starts for real.