West Ham United have been linked with a move for Paul Wagner as a potential new director of football, according to a report from Sky Sports Germany.
Until recently, Wagner was head of recruitment at Dynamo Dresden, who currently sit 13th in Bundesliga 2, the second tier of football in Germany.
The name will come as something of a surprise to many because this is anything but a high-profile target.
The 27-year-old Wagner is said to be highly rated in Germany as a talent spotter and began working at Dresden in 2020. He was part of the team behind scouting and recruitment which eventually got Dresden promoted from the third tier of German football into a mid-table Bundesliga 2 club. Wagners credentials would appear to be underwhelming at best, that said, he is clearly a man in demand.
Sky Germany Reporter Names West Ham Interest
Dennis Bayer, a reporter for Sky Germany, said in an update on social media:
“Ex-Dynamo squad planner Paul Wagner is generating significant interest. The 27-year-old is highly regarded by Hannover and West Ham. Bundesliga clubs have also made inquiries. Expert in data scouting. Contract in Dresden expires in the summer. Currently on leave.”
Wagner is understood to be on gardening leave since leaving Dresden in March, although there are no details surrounding why.
Kretinsky’s Influence Could Be Significant
On the face of it, this may sound like idle speculation. However, it’s worth remembering that West Ham owner Daniel Křetínský made the decision to recruit the Hammers’ last director of football.
Tim Steidten — also German — was hired from Bayer Leverkusen on the instruction of Kretinsky, a move which would eventually lead to David Moyes departing the London Stadium.
Leaving in the summer? Gardening leave makes complete sense.
Similar to the treatment of Wee Davey Moyes.
Treatment by who? You’re pro board based on past posts so are you having a pop at Sully?
No pops J2. Just saying that when you know an employee is going to leave, you don’t invest in their future.
David Sullivan does not need pushing. He is at end of life caring right now. Nobody lives forever. Fourteen years in the Premier League is something to be grateful for.
Hopefully a few more still to come.
We are on the same side Jimbo. XX
Amen brother
Dismiss the unknown candidates at your peril. This is the kind of guy who knows a bargin and can operate within a tight budget.
Everyone’s gotta start somewhere.
Hi gonzo, this guy does seem very well respected and could be exactly what we need to move our recruitment and planning into the modern era. However, I just don’t see Sullivan allowing him, or any other candidate to do their job unhindered and sulli will yet again undermine any DoF by insisting he has to acquiesce to the demand that DS is not only involved in transfer business, but is the person who has the last say. It’s a model Sullivan appears to be wedded to and however much evidence anyone cares to offer that the model is deeply flawed he will simply demand he is heavily involved in recruitment in and ranks ferd out yet again. Cheers
As long as we don’t get Edu or we will lose Nuno as well