In recent weeks, Slaven Bilic has masterminded a West Ham revival that has seen them beat three teams below them in the Premier League table. The victories can be described as significant, but it shouldn’t paint over the cracks that are present in this West Ham side.
Bilic should be looking at his talented squad and pondering where the maximum sale price can be achieved from stars who continue to disappoint. Where better than the Chinese Super League to sell unwanted assets for maximum profitability?
China has become somewhat of a retirement home for footballers over the past decade but, in recent months, players in the prime of their careers have taken the jump towards the Far Eastern League.
People may have an opinion of the Super League but the quality of the league is on the increase and players are starting to flourish in the world’s most populated country.
So here are five players West Ham should sell to China once the transfer window opens in January…
Diafra Sakho
Senegal forward Diafra Sakho has struggled with injuries since Slaven Bilic arrived at the club 18 months ago and despite being good enough to play in the Premier League, his inability to remain fit could cost him his future in England.
The striker was expected to depart the club during the summer but he failed a medical at West Brom – though holding onto Sakho until January could be seen as a bonus if the club can attract the interest of a Chinese Super League club.
Sakho would only flourish amongst the riches of some of the world’s most expensive footballers.
Adrian
In recent months, Adrian has gone from being one of the most consistent shot-stoppers in the Premier League to one of the most inconsistent.
The Spaniard has lost his place in the starting line-up to Darren Randolph and doesn’t look like being given the opportunity to impress anytime soon.
Adrian could see himself move to China and receive an enormous pay deal with the likelihood of playing regular first-team football.
James Collins
A West Ham cult hero maybe, but Bilic must consider calling time on James Collins’ Hammers’ career shortly. This January, the Croatian manager must sign a centre-back capable of achieving the Iron’s goals.
In doing so, Collins should ponder a move to China to receive one final pay off and bring an end to his ten-year Premier League career.
West Ham could receive a fee they couldn’t receive in England if Collins opted for a move to China.
Sofiane Feghouli
You’d be forgiven for expecting Feghouli to become one of the signings of the summer window. However, the winger has made little impact at the London Stadium.
West Ham convinced the Algerian winger to sign on a free transfer for the club in June, despite interest from the Chinese Super League.
If Bilic could attract the interest from China once again, the Hammers could make a nice profit on the failed winger.