West Ham players demand wage increase after latest update – report
Things haven’t been rosy at West Ham United this week with Kurt Zouma in the firing line for a video of him abusing his pet cat, and things might get worse.
According to the Daily Mail, there are sections of the senior squad that are now wanting a wage increase after the 27-year-old’s salary was inadvertently revealed.
Zouma was fined £250,000 for the incident by the club, which was two weeks wages, and there is dissatisfaction among some players who earn considerably less.
Daily Mail also report that the players have felt compelled to rally around Zouma after what they believe is an over the top reaction from the media.
He was a surprise inclusion for the 1-0 win against Watford and he is expected to be involved again when the Hammers travel to Leicester on Sunday (13 February).
Justified
While the Daily Mail doesn’t name any of the West Ham players who want an increase in wage, it’s difficult to blame them for it.
Zouma came to the club from Chelsea with a big price tag so they naturally had to pay him the big bucks to entice him to the London Stadium.
But for those already at the club, it’s something of a kick in the teeth to a handful of senior players who aren’t earning anywhere near the £125,000 Zouma does every week.
It’s a tricky situation for David Moyes who can’t simply reduce the Frenchman’s wage after what has happened.
He may have to offer those disgruntled individuals an improved deal of their own to appease them and ensure a united and happy squad again.
This may well be the start of a downward spiral for West Ham who are still fighting for a top four place, for now, but for how much longer, nobody knows.
In other West Ham news, the club may have missed their chance to sign this goal machine.