Steidten set to raid Belgium as battle for undiscovered talent hots-up
Tim Steidten appears to be stepping up his scouting and recruitment program in Belgium, according to numerous reports. It is understood that Steidten sees the Belgian league as offering better value than options across Europe.
While there are good players to be found in Germany, Spain, and Portugal, there is a saturation of scouts attending from far and wide. Therefore, it’s difficult to gain an edge over other clubs, resulting in high prices.
Steidten set to raid Belgium in quest for transfer value
The transfer bid for Ibrahim Osman in Denmark demonstrated that Steidten was looking to cast his net far and wide. Now, with scouting setups in some of the less fashionable leagues, the Hammers’ director of football has begun identifying overseas talent.
Steidten is believed to be following Antwerp’s promising midfielder, Mandela Keita, but could face competition from Manchester City for his signature. Chelsea has emerged as competition for West Ham in the pursuit of Belgian-based left-back Archie Brown. The former Derby County graduate would be a particularly good signing, given the Hammers’ dwindling homegrown quota.