West Ham Exclusive: £30M Hammer Told to Find Another Club
West Ham have begun the process of unofficially deciding which players will be allowed to leave the London Stadium at the end of the season as the club looks to raise funds for the summer transfer window.
The Hammers’ finances are said to be in poor shape, with Claret & Hugh being told that the club will “need to sell before buying anyone.”
As a result, several players are now deemed surplus to requirements — and C&H understands that Edson Álvarez has already been informed he is free to find a new club.
The news will come as little surprise to the Mexican midfielder’s representatives, who reportedly saw the writing on the wall following Graham Potter’s appointment as manager.
There is believed to be no shortage of interest in Álvarez, though clubs are expected to offer less than the £32m West Ham paid Ajax for him nearly two years ago.
At his peak, Álvarez came close to securing a £50m move to Manchester United at the start of this season, but an injury sustained at the Copa América scuppered the deal.
Following a below-par campaign for the Hammers, the 27-year-old has seen his market value drop significantly — making him one of several high-profile names who could be sold to fill the transfer coffers.
Mitoma, Baleba, Pedro – Guide price of every Brighton star who could leave this summer as Arsenal and Man City spark bidding war
The Seagulls are 10th in the Premier League after last Saturday’s 4-2 loss at Brentford. They are winless in their last five top-flight fixtures and need a strong finish to the season if they are to secure European football next term – starting with Graham Potter’s West Ham this Saturday at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton have just three more home fixtures (West Ham, Newcastle and Liverpool) and for some Albion fans, these could be the last chances to see some of their favourite players.
The likes of Kaoru Mitoma, Carlos Baleba and Joao Pedro have all been linked with moves away and last month chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber admitted it’s “likely” they will sell. Although, perhaps not all three this summer.
Who could go and how much?
Kaoru Mitoma: The Japan international has been a key man for Fabian Hurzeler this term with nine goals and three assists so far. He has missed just one top flight match so far as a heel injury forced him out of the Leicester match.
Brighton turned down two bids from Saudi club Al Nassr in the previous window but further bids are expected this summer. Liverpool are the latest to be linked and Anfield could be a tempting option for Mitoma, who is keen on Champions League football. Mitoma is 28 next month and will have two-years remaining on his Albion deal this summer. Guide price: between £50m and £60m.
Carlos Baleba: The Cameroon international has been a powerful presence in the Albion midfield this term. The 21-year-old is still prone to the odd lapse but the former Lile man is without doubt one of the most talented midfielders in the PL.
