Flynn Downes exit predicted at West Ham United as Financial Fair Play issues rumble on at London Stadium
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has no concerns about Financial Fair Play having an effect on transfers at West Ham this summer.
It has been widely reported that Declan Rice is set to join Arsenal in a deal worth over £100million but Sean Whetstone reported on SixFootTwo on 21 June that the Irons’ summer spend will be limited.
It is understood that this is due to European Financial Fair Play regulations the Hammers must comply with, which are stricter than the Premier League’s FFP.
West Ham may only be able to spend what they make in transfers as a result.
However, McAvennie is unconcerned due to the mammoth fee the club is about to receive for Rice while he also sees midfielder Flynn Downes being moved on.
“Well, we’ll get £100million for Rice so that means we can spend £100million,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.
“There’s not any universe where David Sullivan is going to spend £100million on a player so I wouldn’t worry about that.
“If they’re bringing in that and a couple more will be moving out the door, so there’s going to be £120million to £130million. Plenty.
“I wouldn’t worry about that. Even half that I would be delighted.
“It’s an interesting one. There are a few who will leave.
“The boy Flynn Downes, I think he’s going to leave to get game time somewhere.
“He’s a good player but he’s a young boy. He needs to play every week. It’ll be interesting to see what goes on, but I wouldn’t worry about the FFP because that’s not going to come into West Ham’s thinking.”
West Ham lost £65million in 2020 and £26.5million in 2021.
They then made a £10.5million in 2022 but the rolling losses total £81million, which is around £30million over the limit.
West Ham’s financial performance means they started last season on UEFA’s watchlist for FFP.
In other West Ham news, Gianluca Di Marzio claims the Irons are about to make a £15million-plus bid for a new player.