Tim Steidten is in charge of transfer activity at West Ham United
Tim Steidten is in charge of transfer activity at West Ham United
Match

Tim Steidten must own up to criticism after latest West Ham United transfer decision

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has likely been at the epicentre of all positive transfer updates at the club so far this summer.

The Hammers made a quick start to the transfer window, making moves to sign Flamengo's Fabricio Bruno, with Steidten even flying out to Brazil to strike a deal, before the player pulled out [Evening Standard].

That problem was squashed reasonably quickly as Wolves' Max Kilman was added to the squad in a £40million deal [BBC Sport], adding some much-needed stability to the backline.

However, with Danny Ings and Michail Antonio the only two striker options at the London Stadium currently, a new forward looks to be an important purchase for Julen Lopetegui this summer.

Aston Villa's Jhon Duran seems to be the most likely next addition, but Steidten, who is in control of the transfers this summer, has made a mistake in the Hammers' most recent bid for the striker.

Lewis Orford, 18, was part of a rejected offer worth £32million sent to Villa Park in an attempt to sweeten the pot and persuade Villa into selling their 20-year-old striker [Fabrizio Romano], a decision that has not gone down well with the fans.

Tim Steidten disappoints West Ham United fans with Lewis Orford decision

Orford is an up-and-coming prospect within the West Ham youth ranks, and although he has not been handed his first-team debut yet, many fans expect that to happen next season.

With an eye for goal, being comfortable in possession and happy to put his body on the line, the 18-year-old has already been likened to former Hammers captain Declan Rice [The Guardian, 27 September 2022].

Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran
West Ham used Lewis Orford in a player-plus-cash deal for Jhon Duran

This transfer window has already seen several teams trade academy players for FFP purposes, which has been frowned upon by a rising number of football fans, yet the Hammers nearly lost Orford to seal a new signing.

Luckily, the Irons seem to have learned from their mistake already, set to hold talks with the youngster over a new contract at the London Stadium [ExWHUEmployee].

In other West Ham, the Hammers are "best positioned" to sign Barcelona ace Sergi Roberto.

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Lewis Orford
Jhon Duran
Tim Steidten
West Ham
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