Daniel Kretinsky is already making some huge moves behind the scenes as West Ham United’s majority owner.
In a decision that saw David Sullivan step away from the London Stadium, the Czech billionaire has taken control of proceedings, much to the delight of frustrated supporters.
There is a long road ahead for those in East London, even more so after West Ham were relegated from the Premier League for the first time since 2011.
The major shift, one that likely feels like an earthquake at the London Stadium, has sent shockwaves across the footballing pyramid, setting off the transfer alarm bells.
At least half of the squad have been linked with exits, with many expected to jump ship, especially as the Hammers need to raise £100million in player sales.
Kretinsky has batted away any claims that any players must be sold, but nonetheless, Crysencio Summerville, Mateus Fernandes and Jarrod Bowen are all edging closer to the exit doors.
Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville deals gaining traction
As well as wanting to sign Fernandes, Manchester United are the latest club to join the race for Summerville’s signature, formerly of Leeds United.
The Portuguese midfielder alone could collect as much as £90m, and it is now believed that the majority shareholder has a total fee for the two combined.
According to the Daily Mail (16 June), Kretinsky wants a combined £140m for the duo amid interest from the Red Devils, who are planning to offer considerably less.
Of course, the true test will present itself when Michael Carrick’s side come knocking for each other their signatures, the hierarchy will have to stand strong to keep the fans’ respect this summer.
Summerville is running the risk of burning bridges this summer
Both players absolutely deserve a big-money move, having lit up the London Stadium on multiple occasions, despite West Ham being in some very dark depths.
Summerville is certainly playing with fire if he enterains a switch to Old Trafford, though, having once endeared himself to those at Elland Road.
He wouldn’t be the first to make the controversial move, following in the footsteps of Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith and Eric Cantona, to name just a few.
If he does decide to join Man United, though, he will have to understand that he will not always be welcomed back to Elland Road with open arms.
