West Ham’s very own version of EastEnders seems to be in full swing with the latest episode involving an investigation into where it all went wrong during the summer transfer window.
The Guardian newspaper set tongues wagging on Monday regarding the Hammers’ summer recruitment strategy. It claimed the club is closely examining their summer business, particularly after investing over £100m. Niclas Füllkrug’s transfer is a major talking point, especially since he has yet to make an impact on the pitch due to his Achilles injury.
West Ham’s director of football, Tim Steidten, seems to be under pressure given his involvement in this signing. Spending £27.5m on a 31-year-old striker who hasn’t played since August due to a persistent injury is understandably raising concerns within the club.
The scrutiny surrounding Steidten’s decisions will undoubtedly intensify if Füllkrug’s recovery continues to delay his long-awaited Irons debut. Further fuel has been added to the fire with Julen Lopetegui reportedly demanding the club find funds to sign a striker in the January transfer window.
It highlights the mess the club finds itself in, with both manager and director of football under fire from those at the top who selected them for their roles.
Steidten is the problem for me. Insisting on full control of transfers means no manager worth his Salyut will join. We were 6th in the table last Christmas having just beaten Arsenal & Spurs and with a record number of points in the Premier league era. The manager was rewarded with a new contract but without control of transfers. What happened thereafter we all know; manager decides he’s leaving, he and team lose intensity season goes downhill. Steidten should work with the manager not be his boss.
I’ve been saying this for a long time and it baffles me that the people on here continue to act like he’s some god or something. Steidten is a middling director of football at best. Kudus is his only really GREAT signing (although Todibo looks very good). Otherwise, they’ve been mediocre (Alvarez) or downright bad (Scamacca). Even Kilman was a Lopetegui signing. Otherwise we’re reliant on Moyes for better (Bowen) or for worse (Paqueta).
Sounds like Sullivan needs a scapegoat after appointing the Spanish David Moyes to me!
Sullivans record appointing managers is equally as bad as the strikers we’ve signed during his ownership.
Avram Grant, Pellegrini, Allardyce and now JLo!
JLo has been woeful with selections, substitutions, tactics and man management. The Chelsea and Spurs losses were on him. 2 wins against a poor Palace and promoted Ipswich hardly inspire confidence.
The season is already a write off. Fed up having toxic managers that are not up to the task.
We wasted money on players with no pace in centre midfield or upfront
Even if we did sack lopetegui the next manager would have to address that problem immediately
As expected , the knives are out for Steidten.
Only one looser unfortunately, the club .
Where it went wrong, is the appointment of Lopetegui. Bringing Steidten own choice, would have been cheaper & more sense, as he would know what Tim wanted, & wouldn’t work against Tim. Like you said Sullivan is the problem.
Who was it tim wanted then ??
Ruben Amorim from Sporting.
Honestly with so called “friendly “ journos who needs enemies?
Steidten doesn’t get to sign players off his own back without agreement from Lopetegui and Sullivan.
Sullivan appointed Lopetegui against Steidten’s advice because he can’t let go of the reins. Kretinsky drove the need for a DOF and this BS is probably driven by Sullivan too who “knows” better than anyone else. In his dreams of course.
Steidten isn’t the problem Sullivan is.
Lopetegui was Sullivan’s choice, ill suited too play attacking football despite having great players at his disposal.
If you look at his record his entire career it’s built around keeping clean sheets and nicking a goal. His xG is just over 1 a game so it’s no wonder we are struggling.
We should get Potter in who will calm the ship and get the players passing