For as long as we can remember this season there has been talk of predatory Premier League sides picking off West Ham United’s Crown Jewels – their top players – even if the Irons stave off relegation.
It has been a bit much to put up with, frankly, as a West Ham fan, constantly seeing scare stories suggesting ‘top sides’ will merely breeze in and have their pick of the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville much like plucking clothes pegs off a washing line.
Only yesterday we read that Roma expected to walking and steal Crysencio Summerville for the same price that West Ham paid. Irons fans will be delighted, therefore, to read the real narrative coming out of the club.
No fire sale this summer if West Ham pull off their ‘Great Escape 2.0’
The crisis in the board room brought on by record losses of £100m plus is hardly likely to improve overnight but does not, on its own, signal wholesale, bargain basement fire-sales of the clubs biggest assets.
News of the Hammers’ two biggest shareholders increasing their investment in the club is hardly indicative of a skint boardroom planning an emergency summer sell-off, does it.
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Such is the very welcome report in thehardtackle.com which went largely un-noticed yesterday because it doesn’t fit a ‘scare story’ narrative.
Stay up and he’s not for sale: Jarrod Bowen
However, it was good to read sensible headlines for a change:
“West Ham United will block the exit of Mateus Fernandes, Crysencio Summerville, and Jarrod Bowen amidst interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham.
…The Hammers have no intention of selling their star trio. They will block any approaches for Fernandes, Summerville, and Bowen, provided they manage to retain their Premier League status.
The Hammers have managed to climb out of the drop zone heading into the final four games of the season, thanks to an impressive run in recent weeks. They now have a two-point cushion over 18th-placed Tottenham.
[West Ham’s] improved performances have a lot to do with the likes of Summerville and Bowen, who have done wonders in the final third. Meanwhile, Fernandes has supported them in fine fashion from midfield. The trio have contributed towards 30 goals, which is 70% of West Ham’s total attacking output.”
Fringe players, washed up has-beens and several academy players may well be sold to keep the club wheels turning- but the news of the club effectively sticking two fingers up at those suitors expecting a bargain come the season end will be very welcome news to West Ham fans sweating on the result today from west London.
“While there is serious interest in the West Ham trio, the Hammers have no intentions of negotiating the departure of the £160 million-rated trio. As long as they survive the drop, Nuno Espirito Santo’s team are willing to do everything in their power to retain their services”