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West Ham will not sign any players who are not vaccinated against COVID-19
West Ham United will not sign any players who are not vaccinated against COVID-19, according to Claret and Hugh.
In October, the Premier League confirmed that 68% of players in the top flight were fully vaccinated, with a further 13% having had one jab.
Meanwhile, the EFL revealed yesterday (16 December) that 59% of players in the Championship, League One and Two are currently fully vaccinated, while 25% do not intend to get the vaccine at this moment in time.
These figures are lower than the UK average, as 81.5% of eligible people in the country have been doubled jabbed [ITV].
Claret and Hugh say that a West Ham insider has confirmed that the club will stay away from any transfer targets who have not had at least one vaccination, with background checks set to take place.
Can you blame them?
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This is clearly an issue that is becoming more important to football managers, as they want their squads fit and healthy and for games to continue going ahead.
Speaking earlier this week (14 December), David Moyes said he would “really like” all players to be vaccinated but that ultimately it came down to personal choice.
The Hammers boss also revealed that the majority of his squad were in the process of getting first and second vaccinations as well as boosters.
“We are getting quite a lot of boosters, and if there is anybody still short of a second vaccination [they will be offered it],” he said. “Yes we have got some players who have not taken their first injection but we think they may take it this weekend.”
Disregarding transfer targets if they have not had any vaccinations may seem discriminatory, but Moyes cannot be blamed for prioritising the health of his players.
He is not the only manager either, with Steven Gerrard also admitting that he would take vaccination status into account in the January window.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes has issued an injury update on three Hammers players.
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