West Ham United transfer news: Tim Steidten relationship with Ajax chief helps to seal Edson Alvarez deal amid ‘internal politics’
West Ham United technical director Tim Steidten helped seal the Edson Alvarez transfer due to his relationship with Ajax chief Sven Mislintat, according to Mirror journalist James Nursey.
According to Nursey, taking to his personal Twitter account (8 August), Chelsea were keen on signing the Mexican international but Steidten’s relationship with Mislintat helped get the £34m deal over the line.
Alvarez is due in London for a medical today (8 August) before putting pen-to-paper on a five-year deal worth £150,000 per week to join the Hammers and Nursey points out that the deal is a win for Steidten following “internal politics” at the club following news of friction with David Moyes regarding transfer targets.
Nursey tweeted: “Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez set to sign for West Ham from Ajax. This is a win for technical director Tim Steidten amid the internal politics at West Ham where boss Moyes has preferred British players with Premier League experience.
“Chelsea were keen on Alvarez but due to the close relationship between Steidten & Ajax’s sporting director, he got it done.
“Steidten prefers signing young players like Alvarez, 25, who have a potential re-sale value too.”
Moyes needs Steidten
It seems abundantly clear that Alvarez transfer is Steidten driven and given the German’s experience and market knowledge, it’s high time David Moyes receives the help available to him.
Moyes’ desire for English experience is certainly warranted given the traditions at the club but Steidten knows what he’s doing. He wouldn’t have taken the Hammers job if he didn’t believe he can get the club to reach the next level.
The impending Alvarez transfer certainly gives off that experience and knowledge of the European market as the Mexican international represents a stunning acquisition for the Hammers after spending so long searching for their ideal Declan Rice replacement.
After last summer’s failure in the window, Steidten’s appointment was needed and when news of a reported friction between him and Moyes broke, many West Ham fans will have been forgiven for thinking whether this window would be another failure.
Steidten is an experienced transfer broker and his relationships with some of Europe’s elite chiefs hand West Ham United the unique opportunity to complete deals they never would have imagined.
It’s clear Moyes needs the German and if there is any friction between the two, that needs to be brought to a swift end if the Irons are to build on last season’s European success.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers identify a “shock” replacement for Aaron Cresswell with a new player stance emerging over a move to East London.