New Playmaker, 22 | Hahn’s parting gift to West Ham United

With the resignation of West Ham’s head of technical data and recruitment Max Hahn, a further void has appeared in the club’s already stretched recruiting department after a couple of very turbulent years.

Since Tim Steidten and his brother Moritz there has been personnel change with each new managerial regime: First Potter hired – then Sullivan fired Kyle Macaulay, and now Hahn becoming the latest to quit West Ham’s fractured recruiting team.

It seems he may have left the Irons a little parting gift if the dailymail.com’s report is correct. The Hammers are already, apparently, very interested in a French youngster who could be their likely Championship-level Mateus Fernandes replacement:

“West Ham look at 22-year-old French playmaker… as they prepare for player exodus to raise £100million after relegation”

“West Ham are showing interest in young Troyes playmaker Martin Adeline.

The 22-year-old played a key role in helping Troyes get promoted to the French top flight last season and his performances have prompted interest from the Hammers.

They are looking for someone who can pull the strings in midfield to help them earn promotion out of the Championship next season.”

With all the noise around departures it is good finally to hear that behind the scenes there is activity going on to try and land players capable of getting the Hammers out of the Championship.

Adeline is listed at around €10m (transfermarkt) but allowing for the ‘usual’ English club inflation he’ll likely set a Championship side back between £10 and £15 million if he can be prised away with the customary West Ham promise of higher wages than he’s earning now – even in the second tier of English football.

Definitely one to watch when the window opens in two weeks time.