West Ham United transfer clashes with David Moyes could see Tim Steidten ‘walk away’ after month at the club
West Ham are “no closer” to replacing Declan Rice this summer amid “clashes” behind the scenes on transfer targets and Tim Steidten could “walk away” from the club, according to 90min.
The German arrived as the new Irons technical director on 1 July [BBC Sport] but his focus on overseas targets has already caused a divide with manager David Moyes amid the Scot’s preference for proven Premier League veterans.
West Ham have yet to sign anybody this summer and the split has become obvious, with the difference of opinion on striker targets between Montpellier’s Elhy Wahi, 20, and AC Milan’s ex-Liverpool man Divock Origi, 28, seen as emblematic of the two viewpoints.
Speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast for 90min (25 July, 50m 40s) Toby Cudworth said: “There is a division at West Ham already. [Steidten’s] less than a month into his job but the players he’s putting forward… David Moyes not necessarily on board with…
“So West Ham with two and a half weeks to go before the season starts no closer to replacing Declan Rice in the centre of midfield, and it’s hard to say which was this is going to go.
“It’s not going to work in the long term if the manager and technical director are at odds at the profile of player coming in and the level of spend you can’t see this relationship working out long term.”
Graeme Bailey added: “We understand there’s a few clashes going on behind the scenes…
“We do understand as well that there’s a chance that Tim Steidten walks away from this. He doesn’t want to be responsible, is what we’re hearing from sources at West Ham, there’s a chance that he walks away.”
Farce
There is a certain sort of logic in Moyes’ perspective that proven Premier League players should slot right in, and since the board has decided to stick with him they presumably care what he thinks.
He was successful prior to last season so if he is going to stay he should probably be given what he wants to try to recreate that.
Attempting to branch out into a more expansive style with exciting signings didn’t work out last season and almost lost the manager his job.
Bringing in former Bayer Leverkusen man Steidten seems to show an intent to go in completely the opposite direction, which would make plenty of sense with a different manager in charge.
There may be merit in both approaches but what is becoming increasingly clear is that they don’t work at the same time.
Even if signings are brought in within the next few weeks it wouldn’t be a shock to see Steidten leave either way.
If his targets are brought in then Moyes will likely be unconvinced and they could struggle to adapt to his style just like last term, and if the Scot’s targets are signed then the German has been ignored and wouldn’t need to be there.
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano has reported a hijack attempt after Hammers talks.