A source close to West Ham majority owner David Sullivan has revealed what this summer’s transfer splurge means for the future.
Whether West Ham make a 10th signing of the summer this week or not, they are widely regarded to have had one of – if not the – best windows in the Premier League.
The Hammers are set to decide whether to sign free agent centre-back John Egan or even Joel Matip.
That decision must be made by Saturday’s final Premier League squad deadline.
The club’s owners have committed to spending £155m on signings this summer.
That’s factoring in the inevitable triggering of Jean-Clair Todibo’s £30m permanent deal after making five Premier League starts.
Technical director Tim Steidten made a point of thanking the West Ham board after each signing this summer.
And there were plenty of opportunities for that as nine players arrived while 12 departed the London Stadium.
Many have dubbed it West Ham’s best ever transfer window.
West Ham transfer budget for the next two windows
On paper it’s difficult to argue a case for West Ham ever having a stronger squad in the Premier League era.
Crucially, though, the Hammers also kept their best players too.
While other clubs – including mega rich Newcastle – were forced to sell stars for PSR, West Ham were in an excellent position.
Boosted by European income and the sale of Declan Rice, the east Londoners were able to overhaul their squad this summer.
Julen Lopetegui is tasked with moulding them into a team that can challenge for Europe while playing a better brand of football than under his predecessor David Moyes.
If there was one disappointment from the window, it was that West Ham did not sign a young, pacy forward to compete with Niclas Fullkrug.
There are hopes that will be addressed in the coming window while a new left-back will be needed then too.
Now a board source has made a revelation about the West Ham transfer budget for the next two windows.
Revelation suggests a Hammers star may have to be sold
And it suggests the Hammers may have to sell if they want to go again in the transfer market.
Especially as top young strikers don’t come cheap.
Sean Whetstone counts West Ham majority owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady among his contacts.
He has explained that the Todibo deal was structured so that West Ham could put it on next summer’s books.
And Whetstone is managing expectations ahead of January and next summer, revealing money may be tight after the big rebuild.
“West Ham transfer spend of £122m over the summer with £40m of sales outbound left a net spend of £82m,” Whetstone said on X.
“The summer net spend will mean there be limited funds in January for Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten and £34m is already committed for next summer’s transfer budget for Jean-Clair Todibo after just five appearances for his obligation to buy.”
All roads seem to point to Kudus
Over the weekend Hammers News reported the fact West Ham are the Prem’s fifth biggest spenders of the last two years.
The club has even spent nearly £50m more than Man City in that time.
So the pressure is on Lopetegui now to not only make it all work but achieve a league position that is in some way relative to that spending.
In reality, though, Whetstone’s update suggests a star player will have to be sold next summer to fund any major signings.
Whether that could be Lucas Paqueta hinges on the outcome of the case against him.
Edson Alvarez is another who has been heavily linked with moves away.
Unfortunately, though, all roads seem to lead to Mohammed Kudus.
West Ham’s best player has a release clause of £85m which becomes active again in the summer.
And his consistently impressive performances will have some of Europe’s elite on alert.
The spectre of Liverpool looms over that situation. The Reds have not spent heavily this summer meaning they will be in a very strong position to do so next year.
With Mohamed Salah expected to leave Anfield and Liverpool holding a pre-existing interest in Kudus, they could be the club that comes knocking on West Ham’s door.
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