Claret & Hugh have been informed that one West Ham policy is seriously hindering the club’s ability to sign players permanently in January.

Recruiting a striker remains the top priority for Nuno Espirito Santo, but the Hammers boss would also welcome reinforcements at centre-back, left-back, and central midfield if the opportunity arose. Scouts have been dispatched and agents contacted as West Ham look to cast the net wide — but every conversation seems to be hitting the same roadblock.

The issue? West Ham’s relegation wage-drop clause.

50% Pay Cut Clause Causing Major Issues

Every player contract at the club includes a clause stipulating a 50% reduction in wages in the event of relegation from the Premier League.

While the policy makes financial sense should the worst happen, it’s proving to be a major deterrent for potential new recruits — especially with the Hammers currently hovering near the drop zone.

A top transfer source explained to Claret & Hugh:

“Look, West Ham have always had these deals, but it’s never been a problem because you’ve never looked like getting relegated.

But unless they go on a big run between now and January and move well away from the bottom three, nobody decent is going to sign a long-term deal. I think it’ll be loans out and loans in for January — nothing else makes sense.”

Loans the Most Likely Outcome

With permanent targets reluctant to commit under the current wage structure, it now seems likely that West Ham’s winter window will revolve around short-term loans, with the club focusing on flexible options rather than long-term investments.

It’s a damning indictment of how poorly the club has been run in the yest few seasons. It seems that West Ham are now harvesting the results of botched recruitment over successive transfer windows and the disastrous decisions to appoint Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter.