West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that being promised full control of transfers was vital if he was to take over the reins at the club.
The Chilean coach signed a three-year-deal to keep him in East London until 2021, taking over from previous boss David Moyes, who managed to help the club avoid relegation in the 2017/2018 season.
The 64-year-old – who has since splashed the cash with around £100 million in transfer fees – was quoted by Football London as saying: “Yes, yes, yes, it was very important [to have control] for me in the beginning to know where I am coming.
“[David Sullivan] convinced me because when I spoke with him he told me he wants to build a new club, he wants to give all the responsibility of the club to me.”
OPINION
It was vital that Manuel Pellegrini made sure he had full control of the club’s transfer activity if he were to take over at the club. It is evident that they have given control to the manager, having spent around £100 million in transfer fees so far, with more signings to potentially arrive before the window slams shut next month. If he did not have control over the players he could sign, then West Ham may have condemned themselves to a relegation fight – he has found them top-quality players, and has gone all out to get them. The season has not even begun, and he is already helping the club indicate to the bigger clubs that West Ham will seriously compete in the upcoming season. It is mainly because of him that the club have got the signings that they have, and they are fortunate to have such an experienced boss at the helm. It will be fascinating to see what he can do with them. Top six? It will be very tough, but you never know.
