West Ham’s January transfer window leaves them much better off financially, despite only selling one player.
From a footballing perspective, there is no other way of looking at West Ham’s transfer window other than it being a complete disappointment. Before the Bournemouth game, the Hammers were in 6th place and could have moved 6 points clear of 7th. Unfortunately, two games later, it is already clear to see how their lack of signings is going to have a detrimental impact on the rest of their season.
Luckily, it is not all bad news as the window has left the club in a better position financially. According to Claret and Hugh, the Hammers gained £428,000 in loan fees from Thilo Kehrer’s move to Monaco (they also have an option to buy at just over £9.4 million), and £5.1 million from Said Benrahma’s loan to Lyon (with an option to buy at £12.3 million). The final outbound player the club made money on was Pablo Fornals who cost Real Betis £6.84 million.
Between the three of them, they were costing the Irons £200,000 per week. The majority of this money will go towards Kalvin Phillips’ £130,000 per-week wages as well as his £2-4 million loan fee.
Obviously, there is also the previously mentioned loan/transfer fees which leave the club with a healthy profit. Given that FFP was such a concern for the board, they will be delighted that they have a bit more breathing room.