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The impact of Premier League relegation has now reached the London Stadium.

The Hammers fought a tense battle with Tottenham Hotspur in their attempt to avoid relegation during the 2025/26 Premier League season.

West Ham, who could hardly have imagined Spurs as their direct rivals in a relegation fight, ultimately fell short on the final day of the season despite securing a 3-0 victory.

While the Hammers convincingly defeated Leeds United at the London Stadium, a win for Tottenham Hotspur over Everton ensured the North London side’s survival — and now, the consequences of West Ham’s drop are starting to unfold.

The East London club is expected to see a significant exodus of players who prefer to remain in Europe’s top five leagues rather than play in the Championship.

Players such as Mateus Fernandes, Crysencio Summerville and on-loan defender Axel Disasi are all tipped to depart, with West Ham’s first confirmed exit closely connected to these names.

According to a report from The Athletic, the club’s head of recruitment, Maximilian Hahn, is set to leave the Hammers after having played a crucial role in bringing in the likes of Fernandes, Summerville, Disasi and several others.

Fernandes, one of West Ham’s marquee signings last summer, is reportedly on the verge of joining Manchester United at Old Trafford after a standout season in which he was among the few bright performers for the club.

That transfer alone highlights the value Hahn added to the East London side, with the club’s recruitment responsibilities now resting on the shoulders of sporting director Mark Noble and his staff.

Hahn had joined West Ham upon the recommendation of former technical director Tim Steidten, who departed following disagreements with previous managers David Moyes and Julen Lopetegui.

Lopetegui had initially been offered the chance to sign Fernandes but instead favoured a more experienced midfield pairing of Carlos Soler and Guido Rodriguez.

Those signings, however, failed to make a strong impression in West Ham colours, leading to Fernandes being proposed again under Graham Potter, who approved the move.

Under Hahn’s leadership, West Ham built what appeared to be a strong recruitment structure, also securing the services of promising defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Had the Hammers managed to stay in the Premier League, the upcoming summer transfer window would likely have continued this positive recruitment trend.

Instead, the club’s focus has now shifted towards a new list of targets aimed at recovery from relegation — including free agents, emerging prospects, and experienced veterans.

With Hahn’s exit, West Ham must continue to make prudent financial and sporting decisions to ensure a swift return to the Premier League. However, his departure is expected to be just the first in a series of significant exits from the London Stadium this summer.