'It's not a pretty picture' - Industry expert scared for West Ham after big-money blow-out
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West Ham have ‘blown’ Declan Rice money after agreeing loan, ‘it’s not a pretty picture financially’ Wed 18 March 2026 8:30, UK West Ham United’s financial picture is dire after they borrowed a further £124million from Rights and Media Funding.That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who says that the Hammers have “blown” the £100m they earned from selling Declan Rice to Arsenal in 2023.West Ham have borrowed nearly £500m from Rights and Media Funding since 2012, the latest coming after the club announced a £104m loss in their last financial accounts.Premier League relegation this season could worsen West Ham’s financial picture further, with a significant drop in revenue if the club go down to the Championship. 💰West Ham United Finance Update💰 Inside the transfer budget, PSR compliance, ownership investment, and the latest London Stadium commercial news. VISIT THE WEST HAM FINANCE HUB West Ham move a ‘last resort’ to improve financesEverton’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 it is “not a great sign” that the Hammers have turned to Rights and Media Funding.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks the club could have secured better deals elsewhere if they had been in a stronger financial position.He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Certainly it’s not a great thing to have to go to Rights and Media. So it’s never a good sign.“If they’d been a bit more stable, you’d have got better deals.
But I think it’s not a great sign. And, you know, as I say, think payday lending.” Credit: ImagoWest Ham hold one key edge in relegation battleWyness told Football Insider that West Ham have enough firepower to avoid Premier League relegation after Callum Wilson agreed a new one-year deal at the club.West Ham’s January signings have made an impact at the London Stadium, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side now having scored in nine of their last 10 Premier League games.The Hammers’ ability to score goals could prove crucial, with relegation rivals Nottingham Forest having only netted 28 times in 30 league matches this season. ⚒️ Don’t Miss a Beat: Your West Ham Insider Access Get the full story from the London Stadium and Rush Green with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from East London.