West Ham United has released disturbing financial figures entailing a staggering £104.2 million loss for the last financial year, marking a steep decline from a profit of £57.2 million recorded the previous year. The East London club attributes this financial downturn to several factors, including a drop in turnover, which fell by £42.1 million to £227.6 million due to a lower league finish, a reduction in televised matches, absence from European competitions, and diminished revenues from player transfers.

Moreover, the club's forecast paints a bleak picture ahead, projecting a cash shortfall even if the team avoids relegation from the Premier League this summer. With West Ham currently situated in the relegation zone, sitting at 18th place, their financial woes are compounded by the pressure of potentially losing their Premier League status, which could lead to even greater financial ramifications and a need to sell off key players.

In this alarming context, the club's management acknowledges that selling players this summer has become an unavoidable measure. The precarious situation they find themselves in not only threatens the team's competitive standing but also raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the club if proactive measures aren’t taken to stabilize their finances during this tumultuous season.