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Stefan Borson: This Is How West Ham Could Spend Another £60m on January Signings
Football analyst Stefan Borson outlines how West Ham United could deploy an additional £60 million in the January transfer window, leveraging recent financial maneuvers and Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) opportunities. With the Hammers sitting mid-table and facing squad depth issues, Borson argues this spending power stems from smart summer sales and a recent PSR loophole sale of a player for £55 million—potentially below market value but compliant and cash-generative.
"West Ham have available cash for initial payments on new players," Borson notes, highlighting their position after a late managerial change limited prior activity. He suggests targeting two key signings: a versatile defender-midfielder (£25-30m) to bolster Graham Potter's system, and a proven striker (£30-35m) amid inconsistent goalscoring from current options like Jarrod Bowen and Danny Ings.
Potential targets include Elliot Anderson from Newcastle (linked amid their own spree) for midfield creativity, and a Carlos Baleba-type profile for defensive steel—echoing risks of losing homegrown talents. Borson warns of PSR constraints but praises West Ham's strategy: sell fringe players like those rejecting Tottenham/Chelsea moves, then reinvest opportunistically. "They're taking advantage while the PSR move is still available," he says, comparing it to Arsenal's minimal January plans post-summer splurge.
Historical context underscores caution—Borson references West Ham's 2006 Tevez scandal, where third-party ownership breached rules, costing points and nearly relegation. Today, compliance is key, with no "shop window" risks. Potter's arrival demands quick impact; £60m could fund loans-to-buy or outright deals, targeting Premier League-proven assets for European push.
Overall, Borson predicts a calculated spree: £40m on starters, £20m on depth, positioning West Ham as PSR savvy amid Big Six restraint. Success hinges on deals closing fast in a congested window.
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