Before West Ham United fans have even had a chance to enjoy record signing Sebastien Haller some are already worried about him leaving.
West Ham completed the signing of the 6ft 3in Frenchman this week for a fee reported to be £45million (BBC Sport).
Speculation before Haller eventually signed on the dotted line claimed the deal was held up late on.
Reports claimed agent wanted Champions League clause
Reports suggest his agent was demanding a release clause should a Champions League club come in for him (Kicker).
It is not known whether Haller has said clause in his West Ham contract.
Although one would imagine the Hammers would have made it clear that he doesn’t have a Champions League release clause when they announced the arrival so as to nip such talk in the bud.
Assuming the clause does exist, West Ham fans really should not be concerned.
If anything it should reassure supporters.
Supporters should welcome effectively meaningless clause
Firstly West Ham fans are a knowledgeable bunch. They know their place in the football food chain.
If a Champions League club really wants a player from a club like West Ham – who are not playing elite European football (yet!) – then they invariably end up getting their man.
Whether they are playing for the Hammers, Everton, Wolves or any club outside the 10 or 11 truly elite clubs in the European game.
It is a fact of life.
So essentially a Champions League release clause is meaningless at a club like West Ham.
In fact all it does is protect the club’s best interests for a change.
Clause merely protects West Ham’s interests for a change
It will ensure there is no repeat of the disgraceful Dimitri Payet and Marko Arnautovic scenarios. Twice West Ham were hung out to dry by two of their better players of the last decade.
Payet in the modern market was worth around £70million at least and Arnautovic upwards of £50m. A return of just £47m for the pair tells its own story.
And at the end of the day if Haller does well and moves on in a couple of years making the club a healthy profit does it really matter?
It will just mean West Ham can sign two more ‘Hallers’ and strengthen again.
Another scenario could be that the striker loves it here so much playing for West Ham’s special fanbase that he won’t want to leave even if a Champions League club does one day come knocking.
But as for a release clause, West Ham fans certainly should not be losing any sleep.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
