West Ham chief David Sullivan has relinquished much of his control over transfers in a shift of power involving director of football Mario Husillos, according to Football.London.
The football news outlet claim that the Hammers’ vice-chairman, who used to be in charge of the club’s transfer recruitment and negotiations, has changed tack and given much more faith in Husillos and manager Manuel Pellegrini than in previous managers.
It is stated that Husillos is now very much in charge of new signings and that while Sullivan does still have a say, the Spaniard has transformed the manner in which the Hammers bring new players to east London.
Opinion
There can be little questioning Husillos’ record at the London Stadium so far, with a number of exciting signings through the door in his first summer in the role. The likes of Felipe Anderson, Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena have all lived up to or exceeded expectations to date and so Sullivan is right to give the senior figure a show of faith this summer. There is plenty of pressure on Husillos to make the right signings and strengthen the side without unbalancing the squad and so far he has managed to do so – but that is after just one year. With funds said to be more limited than 12 months ago, this is the true test of his abilities in the role – which will of course include getting those the Irons do not need any more off the books. Buying players is one thing but selling the deadwood is a completely different kettle of fish for the senior figure to tackle. Whether he can succeed in getting some much needed money for those not wanted in East London remains to be seen.