Felipe Anderson Among Players Suggested for West Ham Exit Amid Financial Strife

West Ham may have to sell Felipe Anderson and other top players to make up money, amid the current coronavirus pandemic.

The Hammers have already been struggling financially, announcing a loss of £28m for last season in January. With financial concerns continuing to mount on the east London club, they could end up having to make up losses by selling some of their key players.

As reported by Football Insider, joint-chairman David Sullivan has suggested selling three first-team players to make up costs. This includes midfielder Felipe Anderson, who the club could be forced to sell as a more expendable option.

While West Ham are considering selling some of their most valuable players, they are determined to hold onto key midfielder Declan Rice. The Englishman has been linked with a move back to Chelsea, where he spent eight years as a youth player.

The Hammers may have to sell Anderson for far less than the club record £36m fee they paid, when they bought him from Lazio in July 2018. The Brazilian is one of their most valuable players, though could see his two years at the London Stadium brought to an abrupt end.

Anderson hasn’t had his finest season for West Ham, with just one goal and five assists in 24 appearances. His campaign has also been impacted by a back injury, which kept the 27-year-old sidelined for five weeks.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a huge toll on world football, and West Ham are one of the many clubs who have been hit hard.

The Hammers became the second Premier League club to agree wage deferrals with their first-team squad, joining Southampton in helping non-playing staff receive their full salaries through this difficult period.

The players aren’t the only ones at the club who have been affected, with the club’s hierarchy and management agreeing to take their own pay cuts. Vice-chairman Karren Brady and manager David Moyes have taken 30% deferrals, in order to help the club cope.

It emerged on Saturday that Premier League clubs are hoping to restart the season in June, following a meeting the previous day. The top flight could resume on 8 June, though that date remains a best case scenario amidst the ever-changing situation.

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