David Sullivan given ‘drastic’ £13m West Ham ultimatum that could decide relegation fate
David Sullivan is struggling to address West Ham’s problems.
Sullivan is under pressure from West Ham fans to deliver in the transfer market as West Ham continue to be threatened by relegation from the Premier League.
West Ham have already signed Pablo and Taty Castellanos, and while they now look set for striking options, a couple of defenders are needed.
Nuno Espirito Santo has a huge job on his hands, and he is already under pressure after securing just two wins in his first 16 Premier League games in charge.
He needs to have every tool possible at his disposal, and the ongoing transfer saga for Lucas Paqueta could have drastic ramifications for their status in the top flight.
Lucas Paqueta transfer fee update gives West Ham plenty to ponder
West Ham rejected Flamengo’s £30.3million bid for Paqueta on Monday, although the Brazilian outfit are set to go back in for him.
Brazilian journalist Matheus Leal reported via X late on Tuesday that Flamengo will offer up to £39m (€45m) for Paqueta, which would include a fixed amount and bonuses for performance targets.
| Stat | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2022/23 | 41 | 5 | 7 |
| 2023/24 | 43 | 8 | 7 |
| 2024/25 | 36 | 5 | 0 |
| 2025/26 | 19 | 5 | 1 |
Their dilemma for Sullivan is whether to sell him now for £39m or instead in the summer, when it is claimed that only £26m will be offered – a £13m difference in the space of four months.
Paqueta has his heart set on a move to Flamengo, and despite reporting for training on Wednesday, his camp still insists that he wants to leave in January.
The decision to sell the Brazilian midfielder now could have disastrous consequences for their survival chances, and although he wants to leave, Sullivan needs to think about what’s best for the club.
Although it is far from favourable to keep a player at a place he doesn’t want to be, he has to think in the long run, and Paqueta’s magic could single-handedly keep the Hammers in the top flight for another season.
If Sullivan decides to sell him now for an extra £13m as opposed to the summer, then it reinforces the negative feelings that supporters have towards him as chairman.
David Sullivan can’t afford to risk overseeing West Ham’s relegation
The Hammers started the transfer window with a bang, although frustrations have grown over the failure to bring in a centre-back.
It’s not for a lack of trying, but negotiations for Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell and Monaco’s Eric Dier have fallen to a halt.
Having conceded 43 goals in 21 matches, West Ham have the worst defence in the league, and the fact that the issue hasn’t been addressed almost halfway into the month is laughable.
| Team | Goals conceded |
| West Ham | 43 |
| Wolves | 41 |
| Burnley | 41 |
| Bournemouth | 40 |
While Sullivan has spent on strikers, it would be incredibly irresponsible to neglect other areas of the pitch as the games continue to come thick and fast for the Hammers.
As a new goalkeeper continues to be targeted, it feels as if there’s a clear motivation from Sullivan to spend.
However, it’s the quality of players that are brought in that will define the next four months.
And if Paqueta were to leave, then Sullivan will rightly be accused of selling West Ham down the river for personal profit.
Stay up to date this winter with our West Ham transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at the London Stadium, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.