Anthony Onifade

Fri 23 June 2023 13:10, UK

West Ham United are on the verge of sealing a deal for Tim Steidten to become their new technical director and he could well help to seal a swift deal for Folarin Balogun.

Sky Sports journalist, Florian Plettenberg reported on 21 June that the German is set to seal his move to the London Stadium as both parties embark on a long-term project.

The final details of the move are set to be ironed out next week with Manchester United also holding talks with the former Bayer Leverkusen chief. But, West Ham are set to announce their new appointment in the coming days [90Min, 22 June].

With West Ham United set to undergo a major rebuild this summer, it was imperative the club got in an experienced and well-renowned director through the door, and Steidten certainly arrives with an impressive CV.

Smarting decision-making and efficient planning in the market is required and hopefully, the former Bayer Leverkusen chief will bring that.

And one of the key issues on his agenda will of course be the sale of Declan Rice, with Arsenal and Manchester City currently battling for his services.

But Steidten’s task will involve getting the best possible deal for West Ham United to utilise for their own squad rebuild, and there’s a possible incentive that the Hammers could use to ensure that desire.

Daily Mail reported on 15 June that Arsenal are prepared to give West Ham United first refusal on outgoing players later this summer should Rice complete a move to the Emirates Stadium, and there’s a player attracting plenty of interest in East London which Steidten should look to exploit.

According to FootballTransfers [22 June], West Ham have identified Arsenal striker Balogun as a “priority target” this summer.

The Hale-End academy product has enjoyed a sensational breakout campaign, bursting onto the European scene with 20 goals, becoming the first American to register that figure in a top-five league.

The newly-declared USMNT international is attracting a whole host of interest from several of Europe’s elite clubs with 2022 Serie A champions AC Milan linked with a €30m (£26m) move.

Should the Gunners be unwilling to match their £100-plus figure for Rice, West Ham United should try and get the best out of any reduced deal by asking for Balogun’s potential availability and that’s where Steidten’s expertise and transfer nous could come in and aid their quest for the player.

Previously dubbed as “Superb” by his Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, the 21-year-old has indeed been in emphatic form this term, plundering 20 goals and three assists from 36 matches across all competitions.

As per FBref, the 13-cap England U21 international – with seven goals – already ranks among the top 27% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues for rate of non-penalty goals per 90, also ranking among the top 7% for non-penalty xG and the top 9% for total shots won.

Steidten throughout his spell with Leverkusen picked up the reputation of brokering deals for highly-rated gems aiding the future sustainability and marketing pull of the Bundesliga club and could kick off his tenure in East London by brokering such a deal for the services of Balogun.

Indeed, Balogun isn’t the finished article as of yet, but West Ham United already possess one of those in Danny Ings. Why not acquire a target with huge potential and ceiling to become a future world star? Balogun is in that bracket and ilk of striker, also possessing the capabilities and talents to become a household name in the English top flight.

Yes, West Ham United are resigned to losing Rice this summer, which will hurt plenty of the Hammers faithful but that sadness and disappointment would be quickly quelled after securing the services of one of Europe’s best transfer chiefs in Steidten which could spell a quick and incisive deal for one of Europe’s most prized attacking properties right now.