Tim Steidten’s tenure as West Ham United’s sporting director has been a turbulent and largely unsuccessful one, and recent reports suggest that his position at the club is rapidly becoming untenable. According to Hammers News, Steidten has been demoted by chairman David Sullivan, who has reportedly taken control of transfers after becoming frustrated with the disastrous rebuild overseen by the German football executive last summer. The report, published on January 19, 2025, claims that Steidten is now “halfway towards the sack” after a series of disappointing outcomes both in the transfer market and within the club’s internal dynamics.
Steidten arrived at West Ham with a solid reputation, having played a significant role in the recruitment successes at Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. His experience and prior work were expected to help guide the Hammers through an important period of squad rebuilding. However, his time at the London Stadium has been marked by frustration, as many of his signings have not had the desired impact. West Ham spent an impressive £120 million in the summer transfer window, but the likes of striker Niclas Fullkrug and winger Crysencio Summerville have failed to make significant contributions to the team, which has exacerbated the club’s struggles this season.
The failure of Steidten’s signings is not the only issue that has plagued his tenure. According to reports, Steidten has had multiple high-profile bust-ups with former managers David Moyes and Julen Lopetegui, which ultimately led to him being ostracized from the training ground. These tensions reportedly contributed to a toxic atmosphere within the club and created divisions between Steidten and key members of the coaching staff. With managerial relations so strained, it’s no surprise that the club has yet to recover from its underperformance in the transfer market.
Additionally, the search for a new striker has been another major headache for Steidten and the club. Fullkrug, one of the main summer acquisitions, was ruled out for three months due to injury, further complicating West Ham’s already fragile attacking options. The club is still grappling with the absence of a reliable forward, and the ongoing chaos surrounding Steidten’s position is unlikely to aid their efforts in resolving that issue.
Given the combination of failed signings, internal discord, and managerial clashes, many believe it would be in the best interests of both Steidten and West Ham to part ways. The club needs a sporting director who can work harmoniously with the manager and recruitment team, someone who can rebuild the squad with clear vision and effective strategy. Steidten, unfortunately, has not delivered on these fronts, and it seems the time has come for the Hammers to move on.
Chairman David Sullivan’s decision to take control of transfers underscores the frustration with the current situation. It indicates that Sullivan is no longer confident in Steidten’s ability to steer the club in the right direction, particularly as the club struggles to stabilize itself on and off the pitch. For Steidten, the writing appears to be on the wall, and it may be better for both parties to amicably part ways, allowing West Ham to find a new sporting director who can bring a fresh perspective and focus to the club’s future.
West Ham fans will be hoping that this change leads to a more coherent and successful approach in the transfer market, with an emphasis on bringing in players who can make an immediate impact. If the club is to avoid another disappointing season, they will need to act swiftly to address their recruitment needs and create a more positive working environment for the manager and players alike. The coming months will be crucial for the Hammers as they attempt to put this period of turmoil behind them and focus on securing their long-term future.