You suspect things have taken a turn for the worse when you are opening the door for Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and potentially even Niclas Fullkrug to get another go at West Ham United.
While large sections of the Hammers fanbase would gladly bid a less-than-fond farewell to a host of overpaid, perennially underperforming signings, there are others who feel slightly more forgiving.
Despite their best efforts, West Ham United have not found a buyer yet for Edson Alvarez, Niclas Fullkrug, James Ward-Prowse, Jean-Clair Todibo, Maxwel Cornet or Max Kilman.
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Koln are interested in taking Alvarez to Germany, but his wages are a problem. Serie A newcomers Venezia appear to have ruled out Fullkrug. There are been reports of interest from Marseille in Todibo, but little more than that at this stage. As far Ward-Prowse, Cornet and Kilman, suitors are hardly queuing up outside Rush Green with contracts in hand.
Yet, among Hammers News’ TalkingPoint users, there are some who feel that members of a proverbial claret-and-blue bomb squad may still have their uses.
Some West Ham United fans would be open to keeping Niclas Fullkrug and co
“I’d keep ‘Just one Cornetto,” one fan writes on our Facebook page, referring obviously to a certain Ivorian winger.
“Make Fullkrug stay. He’d be so good in the Championship,” another argues.
“Alvarez, Cornet and Todibo, if their wages were appropriate.”
“Honestly, they are all fine for the Championship. Sell them next year after you get promoted.”
The big issue, particularly with Todibo and Ward-Prowse, is that their relationship with Nuno Espirito Santo is hardly sparkling. Dean Ashton called Todibo’s attitude ‘disgraceful’ after he stormed down the tunnel following his first-half hooking against Newcastle.
Ward-Prowse was immediately sidelined following Nuno’s appointment last September, meanwhile, and did not hide his frustration while on loan at Burnley.
“Kilman good squad player in Championship. Ward-Prowse too if him and Nuno can get on,” another fan wonders. “The others will 100 per cent be gone…”
“[We should keep] Alvarez and Todibo, if he sorts his attitude out.”
“Todibo [can stay] if he displays the right attitude.”
“Keep Ward-Prowse and Alvarez. Fullkrug? Surely good enough for the Championship, although injury prone, so maybe not…”
“Give Alvarez a chance. I’m sure they are cut above the Championship players. Use them. Maybe one or a few will shine. Alvarez is definitely a machine
“Alvarez and Todibo I would want to stay. However, I expect both will want to move on.”
“Cornet will be good in the Championship. Ideal player in that league.”
“Todibo, I would [keep]. There’s a good player inside of him. Championship could kick-start his career.”
“I’d keep Kilman and JWP, [Ward-Prowse] will be great at this level. Rest can go.”
Max Kilman and Maxwel Cornet won’t get offers while they aren’t playing
Kilman suffered the ignominy of being booed by his own ‘supporters’ during the FA Cup clash with Leeds in the spring. If he was forced to stay – rumours of interest from Crystal Palace are yet to develop into anything concrete – the former Wolves captain could do with taking a leaf out of Harry Maguire’s playbook.
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Maguire too found himself subject to jeers around the time he was close to leaving Man United for West Ham. Flash forward to 2026, and there is a case to be made that he was the Red Devils’ most reliable centre-half during their return to the Champions League.
There is a feeling among some that Kilman could embark upon a similar story of redemption.
Failing that, a couple of stand-out performances in the second tier from Kilman, Cornet, Fullkrug and co – even during the final few weeks of August – could have the effect of stirring up interest.
“Most want to go, but no takers. I personally think Kilman would boss the Championship and hopefully regain his confidence. He wasn’t always a bad player, was he?”
“Cornet for me [deserves a chance]. Never really got a break.”
“Only Alvarez and JWP are likely to attract any financially useful bids. Doubt any of them fancy playing in the Championship and I suspect their agents are on overtime trying to find top-tier clubs who can afford their wages.
“Rather than get shot of them on the cheap, I do think the Championship offers us a shop window to showcase their talents, so I’m all for playing hardball with them.”
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