Guido Rodriguez appears to be angling for a swift exit from West Ham just three months after joining the club, with reports suggesting he has instructed his agents to find him a new team during the January transfer window.
The details of his contract have been subject to some confusion. While initial reports from Sky claimed Rodriguez signed a one-year deal running until June 2025, sources from Claret & Hugh insist it is a two-year agreement with an option for a third year.
The 29-year-old Argentine midfielder is reportedly earning £75,000 a week—nearly triple the £27,170 a week he earned at Real Betis.
Rodriguez’s move to West Ham in August, secured on a Bosman free transfer, came after Turkish club Fenerbahce balked at his demands for a three-year deal, a €4 million signing-on fee, and a €3 million salary. West Ham agreed to those terms, including a lucrative signing bonus, to bring him to the London Stadium.
At the time, Rodriguez spoke enthusiastically about the opportunity, saying:
“It’s a historic club that has a really interesting project. I think it’s the right club for me at the right time, and I hope together we can keep growing.”
Yet, just a few months later, Rodriguez seems disillusioned and reportedly keen on a return to Real Betis.
His performances on the pitch have been underwhelming; after 11 appearances, he has struggled to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, received three yellow cards, and been dropped from the Argentinian national squad.
West Ham will now face a decision: cash in on Rodriguez with a transfer fee or sanction a loan deal. However, the club is unlikely to entertain arrangements like the one with Real Sociedad for Nayef Aguerd.
The Moroccan defender has thrived in La Liga, but Sociedad are only paying a £1.6 million loan fee while West Ham cover a significant portion of his £64,000-a-week wages.
Rodriguez’s situation raises broader questions about West Ham’s transfer strategy, particularly their struggles to integrate overseas players.
The Hammers have seen several high-profile signings fail to settle, which critics argue highlights a need to promote homegrown talent and scout players from the Championship and lower leagues.
With yet another player seemingly eager to leave, the negativity surrounding the club threatens to undermine performances on the pitch. It’s a recurring issue that predates even Julen Lopetegui’s involvement and shows no signs of abating.