West Ham United have never been blessed with an abundance of financial power and resources, despite the fact that they have become a relatively established Premier League side (barring the continued flirtation with relegation) and the stadium to match.
Indeed, their spending has had to be rather stringent and frugal compared to some of the other clubs in England’s top-flight, which is perhaps why they have struggled a little more than a team of their calibre really ought to. It is like esport bettors using the wrong esport apps; if they were to use the right ones, then they would be a whole lot better off.
As such, the Hammers have seen their record signings remain at a relatively low-value compared to today’s current market. But who are the club’s most expensive purchases (all figures taken from TransferMarkt)?
Sebastien Haller – £45m
The Irons shelled out a whopping £45m on Sebastien Haller last summer when they took him from Eintracht Frankfurt and it appears to have been a costly mistake at the moment. The Frenchman has struggled at the London Stadium, having bagged just nine goals in 37 appearances and actually looks out of favour under David Moyes at the moment.
Felipe Anderson – £34.2m
Felipe Anderson was perhaps one of the most exciting signings West Ham had made for a very long time as the Brazilian had the ability to get fans off their seats with his flair. Indeed, the huge fee they paid initially looked like a good piece of business, however things have since petered out and like Haller, his place in the team looks questionable under the management of Moyes.
Pablo Fornals – £25.2m
Pablo Fornals arrived last summer from Villarreal in a deal that surprised many as it was one that flew under-the-radar a little. The Spaniard had a solid UEFA U21 European Championships with Spain prior to joining the London Stadium outfit, however things are yet to really take off in the capital. Hopefully, it is just a matter of time, though.
Issa Diop – £22.5m
Issa Diop looked to be one of the best purchases West Ham have made in a very long time after a stellar debut season for the Claret and Blue, as he attracted interest from some of the top clubs in England. However, like some of the other men, things have perhaps fallen a little to the wayside for the Frenchman, although he could probably do with some help at the back.
Andre Ayew – £21.69m
Andre Ayew did not have the best of times at West Ham United during his time with the club. The forward really struggled to make an impact and only lasted 18-months before rejoining Swansea City for almost as much as the Irons initially paid for him. He managed 12 goals in 50 appearances for the Hammers.
Marko Arnautovic – £20.07m
Perhaps the less said about Marko Arnautovic, the better. The Austrian looked to have been a bargain at a tad over £20m but then he decided to upset everyone in east London as he looked to push through a move to the riches of China.
