Jack Hendry Saudi money mooted as an obstacle to West Ham United transfer
West Ham United will have no intention of matching the money Jack Hendry is making in Saudi Arabia, according to Frank McAvennie.
It was reported by news outlet HITC (2 July) that the Scotland centre-back was on the club’s radar this summer, with Fulham and Leicester City also tracking the Al-Ettifaq defender.
The Irons are known to be in the market for defensive reinforcements and the club confirmed the arrival of Max Kilman from Wolves on Saturday (6 July) on a seven-year contract in what Fabrizio Romano said was a £40million deal (X, 5 July).
However, McAvennie thinks there is little chance that Hendry – 29 – will move to East London, not least because the club will have no intention of matching the money he will be earning in Saudi.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, he said: “No there’s not a chance, he couldn’t get a game for Celtic.
“Listen the boy’s good, but I’d be surprised let me just say that if West Ham go for him, he couldn’t get in the Celtic team.
“And apart from that he’s on about a hundred grand a week over there, West Ham’s not going to pay that for him.
“He’d be on the bench, he’s a big boy but he’s not someone – look I’m 64 and I wouldn’t fear playing against him. He’s a good boy, he tries to be a bit Beckenbauer sometimes.
“I don’t think he’s going to leave Saudi, it’s too much money. If you’re asking me if I want him for West Ham, then no.”
West Ham to swerve Jack Hendry signing
There is no doubt that West Ham needs defensive reinforcement, particularly when you consider only the relegated sides conceded more goals than the Hammers last term.
New boss Julen Lopetegui has got his wish for a reunion with Kilman, while Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is also being heavily linked.
But this one feels a bit out of right field. Hendry is 29 and on big money out in Saudi, it is hard to imagine the Hammers will get close to matching what he is currently earning.
There are younger and cheaper alternatives out there so, as McAvennie points out, it’s a transfer that feels pretty unlikely in all honesty.
In other West Ham news, the club have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Todibo.
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