Top agent explains West Ham’s transfer window

Barry Silkman is one of this country’s top agents and was the guy called in to get the Lucas Paqueta deal over the line for West Ham. He knows the transfer windows inside out and backwards and as an exclusive Claret and Hugh blogger explains here how things work and what we may expect to from West Ham’s transfer window.

Claret and Hugh Exclusive By Barry Silkman

It’s one of the facts of life that as soon as a window opens fans expect to see players arriving immediately but it doesn’t quite work that way because with squads of 25 already in place clubs have to ship players out before replacing. That’s what is happening in the case of Declan Rice and the likes of Manuel Lanzini.

Following that there’s the Financial Fair Play rules to consider. This includes how much a club can spend on players fees and wages and who you can or can’t attract within your pay structure. That’s why the lists supplied by the club manager have to be looked at closely. Added to that, at West Ham this summer there is one other big consideration.

A new technical director is soon to be introduced and he will have players he will be recommending and suggesting the right types to come in. He will presumably have players lined up. That appointment is the most important of all this summer. It will be critical

West Ham’s transfer window could see a director of football have a major influence.

Cut your transfer cloth accordingly

You have to ensure as well that you don’t go for players who are earning double and more. Clubs like Manchester City, United or Chelsea can afford to pay more than West Ham. Even second string players at established clubs and won’t be prepared to take a wage drop.

There’s a suggestion that West Ham will attract players given they are in the Europa League. However from my knowledge of things, it’s only the Champions League that is a serious attraction to the best.

So be patient – that’s the biggest requirement of all!

Silky was taking to Hughie Southon