Tim Steidten makes big mistake at West Ham United after developments
Frank McAvennie has condemned Tim Steidten’s decision to bring Niclas Fullkrug to West Ham during the summer transfer window.
The Hammers splashed £27million on the German striker [BBC Sport], who has only made four appearances in all competitions since, suffering a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.
With Fullkrug injured, Julen Lopetegui has been left with Michail Antonio and Danny Ings up front, both of whom have struggled to make the desired impact in the final third of the pitch.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “The technical director wouldn’t be of any interest to me if I was a player. Mark Noble should be on the pitch way before Tim Steidten, but it is what it is.
“He shouldn’t be happy with bringing that 32-year-old German in for all that money, given he hasn’t really played that. That’s a red flag to me. It’s a big mistake in my book, also never getting Ivan Toney or Jhon Duran.
“I think we were £5million short [of Aston Villa’s valuation]. Imagine him playing for West Ham now, with the players who would be around him. He would have been tremendous to watch.
“I hate players getting injured, but when you’re spending a lot of money, I would have gone for Duran or Toney before this boy. I hope he comes back and recovers, giving us 20 goals a season, but we’ll see.”
Tim Steidten under pressure at West Ham United after Niclas Fullkrug decision?
Spending so much money on a 32-year-old striker, based purely on his Euro 2024 substitute appearances was always going to be a huge risk for the Hammers.
With 28 goals and 13 assists in his last two Bundesliga seasons, Steidten had every reason to believe that Fullkrug could be the answer to the Irons’ striker problems, but that has been far from the case.
The striker has not featured for Lopetegui’s side since August, and despite a number of reports suggesting a close return to action, he is still nowhere to be seen three months later.
In other West Ham news, one of the Hammers’ transfer targets are ready to replace Michail Antonio, with 31 goal contributions this season.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.