Kieran Maguire, a renowned expert in football finance, has questioned West Ham’s claims that they have no money for signings due to Premier League financial fair play rules (PSR). The club’s board has stated that they are “completely spent out” and need to sell players to raise funds before making any new signings.
Maguire’s skepticism stems from West Ham’s financial records, which show the club made a combined £51m profit before tax over the last three years. He pointed out that the club still has the benefit of the Declan Rice sale to factor into their accounts for the next two years, which should give them some headroom under PSR.
Maguire’s analysis suggests that West Ham’s financial situation may not be as dire as the club’s board has claimed. He questioned the basis for the club’s forecast of £80m losses and suggested that the wage bill must have increased significantly.
West Ham’s financial woes have been a topic of discussion among fans, particularly given the club’s significant spending in recent years. The club’s board has been trying to manage expectations, warning that they need to sell players before they can buy.
However, Maguire’s intervention has added fuel to the debate, with some fans questioning the club’s financial management. West Ham’s insider Sean Whetstone has pushed back against Maguire’s analysis, citing the club’s reduced revenue from merit and facility payments and the impact of previous transfer spending.
The dispute highlights the complexity of PSR calculations and the challenges of navigating financial regulations in football. Ultimately, the extent to which West Ham can invest in their squad this summer remains to be seen.
