As various clubs across Europe continue to pursue their preferred transfer target, West Ham United co-owner has dropped a bombshell that could keep Payet’s suitors as far away from the club as possible. The Frenchman is said to have attracted the interest of top European clubs including champions Real Madrid, but the recent revelation by the Hammers’ co-owner could immediately terminate Los Blancos’ interest.
According to David Sullivan, whichever club that wants to sign Dimitri Payet will have to splash 100 million pounds to land his signature. This shocking evaluation comes at a time when the debate regarding his French teammate Paul Pogba, who is also said to be worth the same amount, is yet to settle. Speaking to Daily Mail, the 67-year-old said:
''There might be six weeks of silliness when he bangs the table. But if you believe what he says, he wants to stay.
''The joke is somebody bids £30m for him, you can’t buy anything for £30m anymore. Just because he can get more money there, he expects us to sell him? Well, we’re not selling anybody.
''If they want to break the world record we might consider it, because it’s not then one-sided.''
Payet curls the ball behind Man United's wall in their FA Cup semi-final clash last season
He added:
''The one-sided deal is somebody comes in with £30m or £40m, offers the player double the money he’s on, and the player wants to go because he can double his money. We get ripped off.
''Why should that be the case? We’re not going to stand for it.
''He’s worth £100m, even at his age. But he’s not for sale. Just because a big club wants him, tough luck. He’s signed a contract. You take the rough and smooth of a contract.
''Sometimes clubs have got to be tough and stand up and say he’s contracted to us, he’s our player.’'
Payet has become a trademark name this season both in the Premier League and Europe at large. He is well-known for his world class free-kicks but despite being hugely talented, some fans and pundits believe that the former Lille and Marseille man is not worth 100 million pounds.
The West Ham sensation scores a free-kick against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League last seasonThe French star is currently the highest-paid footballer in the history of West Ham United. He earns 120,000 pounds a week, and the club is said to be willing to increase the amount to 150,000 pounds ahead of the new season. Here are some of the best reactions to Sullivan’s revelation about Payet’s price tag.
Buy out clauses need to introduced across the board. £100m for Payet £100m for Pogba ? Neither are worth anywhere near that. #mufc #WHUFC
— Liam Atkinson (@texmeister) July 12, 2016
Westham FC really wants €100m for Dimitri Payet? Stupefying
— Van™ (@Orochymaru_) July 12, 2016
West Ham's David Sullivan:
— Football Accumulator (@footballacca) July 12, 2016
"Even at his age Payet is worth £100m."
Is £100m the new £10m??
Football transfer valuations getting out of hand
Reports West Ham,who've slapped £100m on Dimitri Payet (not sure he's worth) are confident of signing AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca for £26m
— Ian Abrahams (Moose) (@BroadcastMoose) July 12, 2016
West Ham co-chairman Sullivan: "Even at his age Payet is worth £100m."
— M.A.J (@UItraSuristic) July 11, 2016
West Ham co-chairman Gold: "Won't listen to offers under £50m."
LOL
west ham wants £100m for Dimitri Payet ....they should keep him.
— C.I.M (@MacPhilip_) July 12, 2016
If we sign Payet for 100m, I'll stop supporting this club. If we sign Payet for free I'll also stop supportig this club, joke of a player..
— Robin™ (@CalmaAtCampNou) July 12, 2016
£100m for Payet?
— Football Super Tips (@FootySuperTips) July 12, 2016
Not sure if serious....
David Sullivan: Payet is worth 100m.
— Josh Sands (@joshsands91) July 12, 2016
No Dave, no he is not.
West ham wants £100M for payet.
—(@Dash_36) July 12, 2016
Ozil is priceless then.
100m for payet go back to bed Sullivan.
— Ross Sheehan (@rosssheehan92) July 12, 2016