West Ham are set to welcome a top talent into the fold next summer and he may improve even further with some tutelage from Jurgen Klopp.
When David Moyes returned to West Ham for his second spell he declared he wanted to implement a Red Bull style model at the club.
The Scot had spent the time out of the game after his first Hammers spell visiting Red Bull clubs and seeing how they operate.
In the end, West Ham’s rapid progress meant Jarrod Bowen was the closest the Hammers got to that model of signing young, exciting talent before they are on the radar of Europe’s elite.
Since Moyes’ departure, technical director Tim Steidten has made it clear he intends to emulate aspects of the Red Bull model too.
The capture of 18-year-old Brazilian teen Luis Guilherme was his first signing of the summer.
And Steidten stated that he had promised the Brazilian teen he would be followed through the door by other exciting young players as part of a new-look West Ham in the coming windows.
The Irons spent £155m on nine players in the summer.
But Steidten actually did deals for 10 players. And it’s one that many may already have forgotten about who could be the biggest gem of all.
Towards the end of the window, West Ham announced the signing of talented box-to-box midfielder Mohamadou Kante from Ligue 2 club Paris FC.
Star gets chance to learn from Klopp before joining West Ham
The 19-year-old joined the Hammers on permanent transfer on a five-year deal and returned to Paris FC on loan for the 2024/25 season.
Kante is a highly-regarded prospect in France and is very much the kind of Red Bull signing some supporters were expecting from the new regime.
But he is very highly regarded in France and by Steidten.
When Kante returns to West Ham next summer he is expected to push for a first team squad plac.
And he could have his talent honed under the guidance of one of the top managers in world football before he does.
Because Kante will now get a chance to learn from Jurgen Klopp before joining West Ham.
On the same day Klopp was unveiled as the new head of football for Red Bull, the firm is said to be on the verge of buying Paris FC.
According to L’Equipe, Paris FC could be provided with an extensive budget of between £80-160m in resources.
In his new role Klopp will be responsible for philosophy, style and strategy as well as coaching of managers and teams across the Red Bull franchise.
Hammers signing Kante can hone his game in Klopp system
That means Kante will now benefit from a year of working in the system Klopp puts in place.
Given Julen Lopetegui is trying to implement his own pressing, high-energy approach at West Ham, that bodes very well indeed.
There’s a certain irony that one of Steidten’s Red Bull-esque signings has been shrewdly whisked away from what is now set to be a Red Bull club.
Paris were keen to get Kante tied down to a new deal before the Hammer swooped.
For those among the West Ham fanbase who still haven’t figured out how Steidten operates, this is the perfect example.
The German has brought in experienced Guido Rodriguez on a free.
He is for the here and now but by signing Kante, the club is also placing its bets on their potential future replacement.
That is what West Ham have done with Guilherme as it becomes increasingly clear Mohammed Kudus will likely leave next summer if his release clause is met.
With Steidten in charge of recruitment it will often be a case of a player for now and one for the future.
That looks like being the new West Ham way while Steidten is in charge.
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