Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted in response to an official club announcement that defender Frederik Alves has joined Sunderland on loan.

Alves signed for the Hammers in January from Silkeborg IF with the Denmark Under-21 international even making a few appearances on West Ham's bench over the second half of 2020/2021.

David Moyes is alarmingly short of central defenders as West Ham gear up for what will be a taxing 21/22 campaign given their involvement in the Europa League group stages.

Only Issa Diop, Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna make up Moyes' senior defensive options and it now appears that they will be short of a youngster to call upon.

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As per the club, making an official announcement, Alves has signed for The Black Cats on a season-long loan deal and will be a part of Lee Johnson's squad for the entirety of this season.

Given their current squad depth in that area, it is little wonder many West Ham fans believe this decision to let him go is 'staggering'.

Find all of their verdicts, in reply to West Ham's official account, down below.

West Ham fans erupt over Alves news...

"Ridiculous this"

Credit: @HughMoore1997

"wow even less first team players now! what a joke"

Credit: @CaineRussell

"This club is a shambles"

Credit: @Mcglynn7James

"Done with this club"

Credit: @LH_WHU

"IS THIS A JOKE, WE HAD 4 CBs IN OUR ENTIRE FIRST TEAM SQUAD, WE NOW HAVE 3, AND OGBONNA IS INJURED. YOU CANNOT WRITE THIS"

Credit: @MattWallis25

"This club man. Staggering."

Credit: @WestHamPlace

"Bonkers decision like we need the squad to get smaller"

Credit: @PalazonMark

"Absolute joke club. Just keep pushing them all out the door. We will have the best 5 a side team around. Parasite owners."

Credit: @BMANWHUFC

In other news: ExWHUemployee says West Ham could swoop for perfect Antonio alternative in 16-goal 'phenomenon', find out more here.