West Ham United’s recruitment strategy has come under scrutiny once again following recent reports that former technical director Tim Steidten believed the club overpaid for Max Kilman while also questioning the decision to loan out Nayef Aguerd. According to The New York Times (5 February), Steidten felt that the £40 million transfer fee paid to Wolves for Kilman was excessive, especially in the context of the club’s spending and financial priorities.

Max Kilman’s Transfer – Was It Really Overpriced?

Kilman joined West Ham in July 2024 as part of a summer overhaul aimed at strengthening the squad, particularly the defense. The move was seen as a significant investment, with the former Wolves captain arriving for a hefty fee. While Steidten reportedly considered the price too high, the English defender has since established himself as a key player for the Hammers.

Under both Graham Potter and Julen Lopetegui, Kilman has been a regular starter, proving his value despite some inevitable mistakes. He has brought composure to the backline and has adjusted well to life at the London Stadium. Given the ever-increasing inflation in the English transfer market, it is debatable whether his fee was truly excessive or simply a reflection of the market’s current state.

While Kilman has not been flawless, his performances suggest that he will continue to develop into a reliable Premier League center-back. His ability to play out from the back, combined with his leadership qualities from his time as Wolves captain, means he could become a long-term defensive asset for West Ham.

The Aguerd Loan Decision – A Mistake?

Steidten’s second major concern revolved around the departure of Moroccan center-back Nayef Aguerd. The former Rennes defender was loaned out despite Steidten’s preference to keep him at the club. However, it was reported that Lopetegui did not see Aguerd as part of his plans, which ultimately led to his temporary exit.

This decision has raised questions about West Ham’s defensive depth, particularly given the team’s struggles in certain matches this season. Aguerd, when fully fit, has been a solid performer and had already shown his quality in the Premier League. Some believe that keeping him could have provided the squad with more stability at the back, especially considering injuries and inconsistencies in the defense.

Interestingly, sources close to Lopetegui have denied that he played a major role in Aguerd’s departure, suggesting that the internal disagreements at West Ham may run deeper than initially thought. This conflicting narrative adds to the sense of confusion surrounding the club’s decision-making process.

West Ham’s Recruitment Strategy Under Scrutiny

Steidten’s concerns highlight the ongoing debate over West Ham’s recruitment strategy. While the club has had success with some signings, there have also been several high-profile transfers that have failed to deliver. The disagreements over Kilman and Aguerd indicate a lack of alignment between the recruitment department and the coaching staff, which can create instability.

Furthermore, the turnover in West Ham’s management team has not helped matters. Steidten has since departed the club, while Lopetegui’s position has also been under scrutiny following a difficult start to his tenure. The lack of a clear, unified vision for the team’s squad-building process could continue to cause problems unless the club finds a way to create a more cohesive approach.

Kilman’s Future at West Ham

Despite the debate over his transfer fee, Kilman appears to be a long-term part of West Ham’s plans. At 27 years old, he still has room to grow and improve. If he continues to develop under Graham Potter’s guidance, he could prove to be a vital part of the team’s defensive setup for years to come.

Ultimately, whether Kilman’s price tag was too high is a subjective debate, but what is clear is that he has already made a significant impact at the club. If he maintains his current trajectory, he could easily justify his transfer fee in the long run.