Tim Steidten gamble badly backfires after West Ham United transfer twist
West Ham United have strengthened their squad all over since the start of the transfer window – of that there can be no doubts.
The signing of Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice last week was a massive coup and ensures the Irons are well stocked in defence this coming season.
A little too well stocked, in fact. As things stand, United now have Todibo, Kurt Zouma, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Nayef Aguerd and another new signing in Max Kilman vying for two central-defensive berths.
West Ham United need Kurt Zouma sale
Five into two does not go, and word is that Tim Steidten is also eyeing another centre-back to come in before the window closes on 30 August.
In fact, Sean Whetstone reported via his West Ham Football account on 7 August that the club could add another centre-back on top of Kilman and Todibo.
That was with the proviso that Zouma and Nayef Aguerd would move on, with both being strongly linked with the London Stadium exit in recent weeks.
Indeed, the Todibo deal was likely pushed through in the knowledge that Zouma was effectively gone. However, UAE Kick reported on Sunday (11 August) that Zouma’s move to Shabab Al-Ahli may have collapsed.
Kurt Zouma transfer takes surprise twist
Zouma has returned to the United Kingdom after complications with his medical. The worry for Steidten now is that Zouma will not be able to find a new club.
Time is also ticking down to find a suitor for Aguerd, with a little over two weeks of the summer transfer window still to run.
The risk now is that West Ham will have five high-earning centre-backs on their books until at least January. Supporters will not care – strength in depth is key, after all – but the club will be haemorrhaging millions.
Steidten has gambled by bringing in Todibo and supposedly looking to bring in another defender before actually getting Zouma – and possibly Aguerd – off the books. It is one that could backfire after this latest transfer twist.
In other West Ham news, a Premier League club have reached an exit agreement over a player the Hammers want to sign.
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