‘West Ham really concern me’ – Expert taken aback by move from ‘billionaire’ duo
West Ham have made a “concerning” move after a loan update has emerged at the London Stadium.
West Ham have been fairly limited in the transfer market, having spent around £70million on the signings of Jean-Clair Todibo, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Mads Hermansen.
Meanwhile, Callum Wilson and Kyle Walker-Peters have both joined the Hammers on free transfers.
It comes despite West Ham raking in £55million for Mohammed Kudus after he signed for Tottenham earlier this summer.
Graham Potter’s side suffered a 3-0 defeat against Sunderland in their opening game of the new Premier League season on Saturday (16 August).
West Ham tipped to ‘struggle’ after issues emerged
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa and Aberdeen CEO.
Official documents submitted to Companies House on 14 August revealed West Ham have borrowed money from Rights and Media Funding Limited.
Everton previously owed £225million to the Cheshire-based company before The Friedkin Group cleared the debt following its takeover of the club last December.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness said: “When I looked at the table, it was the bottom four clubs that I thought were the ones that had early signs.
“Now, look, we’ve got to heavily caveat this because we all know the windows not closed and all the rest of it, and there are many things that can happen.
“But I do believe there are some trends here. The four clubs that I’m picking to struggle are at the bottom. West Ham was one that really does concern me at the moment.
“It’s not just what we saw on the pitch away at Sunderland, but also they’ve been borrowing money from Rights and Media Funding, who were also one of the big lenders to Everton before the Friedkin’s came in.
“That is slightly concerning because I know that they’ve also just increased their lending facility in another area.
“I think they’ve been borrowing up to about £145million is the number I saw, plus now with Rights and Media Funding, so it’s a big sum.
“Given that you’ve got Kretinsky and Sullivan, billionaires on the board of West Ham, it’s surprising that they’re going to that area.”
West Ham in talks about signing Arsenal star
In terms of a potential incoming, former London Stadium scout Mick Brown told Football Insider West Ham have spoken to Fabio Vieira’s agent about the possibility of a move to east London.
However, while he remains a name on their list and could become an option should they miss out on other targets, it is unlikely they will make a move at this stage.
Bundesliga side Stuttgart are believed to be working on a deal to sign the attacking midfielder as Mikel Arteta plans to move him on this summer.
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