During the summer transfer window of 2023, West Ham reportedly paid a seven-figure sum to secure the services of a Scottish player who had been making waves in the Austrian league for Austria Klagenfurt.
Andy Irving had previously caught the eye of Tim Steidten, who had been following the Austrian league for some time. The attacking midfielder was immediately loaned back to his Austrian Bundesliga club, with both teams only officially confirming the transfer in December 2023.
The ex-Hearts player, who has also had spells at Falkirk and Berwick, initially moved to German Liga 3 club Türkgücü München in 2021. When they fell into financial difficulties, he moved to Austria Klagenfurt.
The former Scotland U-21 player has ten goals and thirteen assists across the season and has made it clear he’s not here to make up the numbers. He had previously stated to Edinburgh News, “I believe I can go to West Ham and show my quality. It’s a challenge I’m very excited for.”
His former club has become an affiliate of the Irons, which will allow both clubs to benefit in the long term.
He set a record last season, bettered only by Polish legend Robert Lewandowski, when he scored the quickest hat-trick against Red Bull Salzburg.
West Ham fans will be hoping he can continue his rich vein of form in a claret and blue shirt.
With a depleted squad and a lack of homegrown players, the Edinburgh-born youngster, aged 23, will be keen to impress Julen Lopetegui and also put himself on the radar of ex-West Ham coach Steve Clarke, who is currently the manager of Scotland.
Steidten’s eye for talent earned him the nickname “The Pearl Diver” because he was instrumental in the transfers of previously unknown players who would go on to become stars. Let’s hope that Irving is one of them!
Guest post by former OLAS writer Matt Kemp
I’ve heard of this guy but only over the last month. One issue though is that I am not sure if he goes down as homegrown player as Scotland id a different league so is regarded as foreign whereas Welsh players are ok to be classed as homegrown
Is This for real? Why have I not heard of this before?
Its definitely not April 1st so there must be a cocoa tin lid on a “gold” chain for Tim the Trader, on its way from Sillivan.