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Dimitri Payet’s agent admits his client may move this summer

By Rucker Haringey

(L-R) Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann of France during training on the first day of their training ahead of the friendly football match against Netherlands on March 21, 2016 in Clairefontaine en Yvelines, France. (Photo by Dave Winter/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
(L-R) Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann of France during training on the first day of their training ahead of the friendly football match against Netherlands on March 21, 2016 in Clairefontaine en Yvelines, France. (Photo by Dave Winter/Icon Sport via Getty Images) /
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Dimitri Payet’s agent has admitted that a summer transfer is possible for his star client

West Ham fans have to be getting more and more concerned each time Dimitri Payet finds the back of the net during Euro 2016. With each masterful performance Payet puts on, the rumors of a transfer away from West Ham only grow louder.

Since the end of the Premier League season, all signs were pointing towards a return to West Ham for the French maestro until he caught fire during Euro 2016. Now as Payet is compared favorably to French legend Zinedine Zidane every time he steps on the pitch, Payet’s camp has started to change their tune slightly.

Payet’s agent, Mark McKay, acknowledges that it would take “ridiculous money” to pry his star away from the Hammers, but stops well short of dismissing it as an impossibility. That slight hedging by Payet’s camp should drastically increase the anxiety among the West Ham faithful.

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West Ham do have several factors working in their favor though. Firstly, their talisman signed a new contract this season which significantly increased his wages and locked him in at the club for the next five seasons. That means that neither Payet, or a potential club looking to swoop for the talented midfielder, will have any leverage to hold against West Ham. The Hammers will have every right to demand an absolute fortune for their top player.

There’s also the reality that Payet isn’t exactly a starlet with his best years ahead of him. He’s already 29-years-old, and while his game should hold up well with age, he’s not likely to get any better moving forward. The likely reality is that Payet’s production will only decrease from this point forward. His age, and lack of upside, might put off some potential suitors.

Still, West Ham do have quite a bit to fear. If a club like Real Madrid or Barcelona decide they want to provide an immediate boost to their attacking options, Payet could quickly emerge as a serious target. With all due respect to the foundation that Slaven Bilic has put in place at West Ham, it would still be very difficult for Payet to turn down a potential dream move to La Liga.

It’s also possible that Payet could desire a move back to his native France. Haven’t recently emerged as a star for the French national team, a move to a club like PSG could prove very attractive. He could return to his native land as a sort of conquering hero. PSG, of course, also would offer him Champions League football and a regular opportunity at silverware.

Related Story: Real Madrid and Barcelona may duel for Payet

It’s going to be a long summer for West Ham fans who desperately want to keep hold of Dimitri Payet. Count on the rumors and bids to continue to mount as he lights Euro 2016 ablaze.

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