Tim Steidten Set to Depart West Ham United Following Internal Disagreements and Transfer Failures

West Ham United’s technical director, Tim Steidten, will leave the club with immediate effect following a mutual agreement between both parties. His departure, first reported by journalist Florian Plettenberg, marks the end of a turbulent tenure at the London Stadium.

Steidten’s Exit Confirmed

Steidten’s exit comes as no surprise, given ongoing internal conflicts regarding recruitment strategy and his failed transfer dealings. The former Bayer Leverkusen executive joined West Ham in 2023 to revamp their recruitment model, but his tenure has been widely criticized for poor signings and a lack of clear direction in player acquisitions.

According to reports, West Ham vice-chairwoman Karren Brady had reportedly advised Steidten to “pack his bags” due to his underwhelming impact on squad building. Despite significant investments in new players, many of his signings failed to perform, leading to an identity crisis in the squad.

Recruitment Failures and Poor Signings

One of the most significant criticisms of Steidten’s time at West Ham has been his failure to secure a top striker. Until the last-minute signing of Evan Ferguson on Deadline Day, the Hammers lacked a natural goal scorer, struggling for cohesion in the attacking third. This failure contributed to West Ham’s struggles this season, with the team underperforming in both domestic and European competitions.

Among Steidten’s notable but disappointing signings were:

Niclas Füllkrug – The German striker struggled to fit into the squad’s style of play.

Luis Guilherme – A £19.5 million signing who saw minimal game time.

Jean-Clair Todibo – A defensive acquisition that failed to solidify West Ham’s backline.

These questionable transfers not only failed to improve the squad but also hampered the club’s ability to sign other key targets, leaving West Ham without the necessary reinforcements in crucial areas.

Internal Clashes and Graham Potter’s Influence

Steidten’s diminishing role at the club was further accelerated by the arrival of Graham Potter as head coach. Potter, who replaced David Moyes, brought in his trusted recruitment specialist, Kyle Macaulay, making Steidten’s position increasingly redundant.

Steidten was also involved in a series of clashes with both Moyes and Potter over transfer policy and squad management. These disagreements created tensions behind the scenes, with West Ham’s board ultimately deciding that parting ways with Steidten was the best course of action.

One potential scenario could have seen Dan Ashworth (currently at Newcastle United) reunited with Potter, as previously reported by Sean Whetstone. However, Macaulay’s appointment ended any need for Ashworth, further reducing Steidten’s influence.

What’s Next for West Ham?

Steidten’s departure signals a fresh start for West Ham’s recruitment approach, with the club now looking to rebuild and reassess their long-term transfer strategy. The Hammers will likely adopt a more structured and targeted approach under Potter and Macaulay, focusing on signing players that fit a clear tactical identity rather than splashing cash on misfits.

With an official club announcement imminent, Steidten’s exit will likely mark the beginning of major internal changes at West Ham as they seek to bounce back from a disappointing season and re-establish themselves as a force in the Premier League and Europe.

For more details, you can read the full reports from TalkSport and The Times.