Among these is Emerson Palmieri, who joined the Hammers from Chelsea in the summer of 2022 for approximately £13 million. Despite his instrumental role in West Ham’s Europa Conference League triumph in 2023, Emerson’s form has waned this season, prompting discussions about his potential departure.
Another player facing an uncertain future is Luis Guilherme, an 18-year-old Brazilian attacker signed from Palmeiras for £20 million just six months ago. Guilherme has struggled for game time, accumulating only 43 minutes across five substitute appearances this season. To generate funds for new signings, West Ham is contemplating selling him, with Saudi clubs Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadsiah expressing interest.
Additionally, Potter is looking to offload other high-earning players who have fallen out of favor. Danny Ings, brought in from Aston Villa in January 2023 for around £15 million, has not met expectations and is likely to be released when his contract expires this summer. Michail Antonio, recovering from a severe injury, may also depart, especially considering his age and the severity of his injury. Guido Rodriguez, who joined on a free transfer, has failed to make a significant impact and could be sold to clubs in Spain. Veterans Aaron Cresswell and Lukasz Fabianski are also expected to leave, as the club aims to reduce the squad’s average age and wage bill.
By trimming the squad and offloading these players, West Ham could save approximately £410,000 per week in wages, equating to over £21 million annually. These funds would provide Potter with greater flexibility in the transfer market as he seeks to reshape the team to align with his footballing philosophy.
In summary, Graham Potter’s strategic decisions to part ways with underperforming and high-earning players reflect his commitment to rejuvenating West Ham United. These moves aim to optimize the squad’s performance and financial health, setting the stage for potential new acquisitions that align with the club’s ambitions.
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