Exclusive: Ivan Toney plays hardball as West Ham could agree new transfer incentives
West Ham United could offer Ivan Toney a route back to the Premier League in January.
West Ham want to sign Toney, with the England international possibly keen on a move to the London Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Currently with Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, Toney is facing tax issues should he wish to return to England, with Darren Bent telling the Irons to foot half of any bill to make it happen.
Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be that simple for Nuno Espirito Santo.
Ivan Toney to play hardball over West Ham transfer
Dan Plumley has warned that it would not be as simple as the Irons helping with any tax bill, with Toney’s wages still a real issue.
The football finance expert admitted that it will depend on how desperate West Ham are for a new striker, with incentives and bonuses likely to cover some of the difference of Toney playing hardball.
“It’s not as simple as that,” Plumley exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“The ultimate thing is, with that player, it really is how much do you want him? We use the term desperate, but it’s where you are in that moment in the season that means you are willing to make that play.
“There’s no doubt that Toney would have to take a wage cut, and of course, there are performance incentives and bonuses you could put in there to offer him a reason to come back, as much as the baseline salary would be a hit.
“It’s going to be a wage cut for him, and then it’s how much are West Ham willing to push the boat out?
“Because it’s not going to be a cheap transfer, it’s not going to be cheap wages. It’s not quite as simple as saying they could cover the tax bill; it doesn’t work like that. It’s how do you structure that deal to get the best value possible for West Ham, knowing that Toney will be playing hardball with the numbers as well.”
Who could leave West Ham?
Niclas Fullkrug is top of the list of possible exits in January.
The German striker has already informed those at the London Stadium of his wish to leave, with efforts already being made to offload the big-money signing.
James Ward-Prowse is another who could move on, with significant wages becoming available should those two find new clubs.
Whether that frees up space for Toney to return to London, only time will tell.
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