West Ham are taking ‘big risk’ with January signing plan - expert

West Ham could be facing financial issues in the Championship if they decide to spend big in the January transfer window.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes West Ham need to decide on their long-term strategy.

West Ham’s 2-1 win at Tottenham reduced the gap to Premier League safety to five points with 16 games remaining.

Relegation to the Championship could mean a drop in West Ham’s valuation and the likelihood that a number of star players will leave the club.

West Ham ‘getting desperate’ in survival bid

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes players could leave West Ham in January if the gap to safety increases further.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks the Hammers could face a scenario where they need to get promoted to the Premier League at the first attempt if they are relegated.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think it’s very risky right now what West Ham are doing and there are a few players of value there, but there’s not many. They’re going to have to decide pretty soon.

“We’re still 20 days left of the window roughly, or around that sort of number. And I would not be surprised to see West Ham, if that gap gets to something like 10 points, and they’re almost doomed, then you may see them selling some of the top players and taking that money and getting ready to rebuild in the summer for the Championship.

“It’s getting that desperate, but there’s no doubt if they do go down to the Championship, West Ham will be in a position if they spend more right now where they’re going to have to bounce back that first season, otherwise they’re going to be in severe trouble after the parachute payments start to taper down. So yes it’s a big risk.”

West Ham face key player departure

Lucas Paqueta is pushing for a West Ham exit, and the club could accept an offer for the 28-year-old in the January window.

The Brazilian did not feature against Spurs due to injury, and he could return to his home nation with clubs interested in his services.

Paqueta has four goals and an assist in 18 Premier League appearances this season, with only Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson having netted more for the club.

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