OPINION
It is fair to say that West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan are not the best-loved leadership figures in English football at the moment.
The duo have plowed money into the Hammers since acquiring a 50% stake in 2010, but their reign as owners has been marred by several poor decisions that have undermined their authority.
Things have come to a head this season as the Hammers have endured a topsy-turvy campaign, and an interesting couple of transfer windows that have seen the arrival and departure of nearly 20 players.
As reported by the Evening Standard, fans are set to air their grievances during a protest set for Saturday the 10th of March, in which supporters will march from Stratford Park to the London Stadium, which is the source of much frustration.
Now there is potential for even further anger to be directed at the club in March, with the Hammers reportedly set to sell a first-team star who could be crucial to their hopes of staying in the Premier League.
As reported by the Daily Record, Jose Fonte is on the verge of completing a £4.9million move to Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.
The Portugal international enforcer is reportedly to jet out on Monday to seal the move, which will see him sign a three-year deal worth around £3.54million-a-year.
And, if Fonte does indeed complete this projected move, then the Hammers could be fatally endangering their Premier League status.
First of all, it is an exit that will indelibly weaken their squad.
Fonte is an imposing centre-back with vast Premier League experience, having turned out 178 times in the competition during his time at Southampton and the Hammers.
He is a European Championships winner, having emerged victorious in the 2016 edition with Portugal having played a massive role in their path to the trophy.
That kind of experience is invaluable at any time, let alone for a club heading into some of the most critical months in their recent history.
Furthermore, if you look at West Ham’s defence, it is not exactly one that can afford to lose a key member.
Winston Reid has been massively out of form this year, and James Collins has had major injury troubles.
Angelo Ogbonna has been consistent, as has Declan Rice, but there is a need for further options at the back for David Moyes.
Fonte’s return from a long-term ankle injury offers the perfect boost for the Hammers defence, but that is about to be thrown away.
Lastly, this is not even a move that makes much financial sense for the club.
Fonte cost the Hammers £8million in January 2017, so they would be losing £3million on the defender.
At 34 years old, Fonte admittedly has little sell-on price, but his value to the club far exceeds his financial value to a Chinese club.
What is £5million to a Premier League club these days?
In conclusion, this is a transfer makes no sense, and it could be a critical mistake for West Ham as they look to retain their Premier League status in the next few months.