West Ham power struggle causing delays in the transfer market
An ongoing power struggle at West Ham between manager David Moyes and new technical director Tim Steidten is causing delays in the club’s transfer movements, according to The Guardian.
The article on the news website, written by Jacob Steinberg, reports that a scattergun approach to transfers has delayed proceedings, while the appointment of Steidten has had the opposite of the intended effect, and caused further confusion.
Steidten’s appointment as technical director was supposed to usher in a new era of transfer deals at West Ham, with a clear direction and vision for the club, but insiders have described the situation as a “mess”.
Pulling in different directions
It has become clear that senior figures at the club are pulling in different directions with their aims in the transfer market. Moyes has reportedly always preferred to be in control over incoming signings, while the new technical director has different ideas about the club’s movements.
There is a reported lack of trust in the previous approach of signing a number of players from abroad, due to last season’s failings- Gianluca Scamacca for example cost the Hammers over £30million and is now expected to leave East London after just one season.
Steidten is reportedly keen on bringing Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana to the club, while Moyes is unsure, resulting in the club likely missing out on the midfielder, and causing the German to feel frustrated.
West Ham senior staff need to sort out their differences and learn to work together soon, as the only thing that can come from a lack of communication is the club moving backwards.
The East London club are approaching the new season with just four midfielders to choose from in the form of Thomas Soucek, Flynn Downes, Conor Coventry and Lucas Paqueta.
In other West Ham news, the club may need to more than double their current bid for international defender.