West Ham’s appointment of Graham Potter’s favourite talent spotter, Kyle Macaulay, spells the end for Tim Steidten’s influence.
The German, once brought in to oversee transfer strategy at the London Stadium, is now effectively director of football in name only. His original remit has been severely diluted.
It is understood that Macaulay will report directly to Potter and the board with transfer target recommendations. This leaves Steidten’s role so lessened that he is likely to have very little influence moving forward.
A top Hammers source informed Claret & Hugh yesterday that compensation for Macaulay had been agreed with Chelsea. This means he will likely begin recommending players to West Ham immediately.
Steidten has come under increasing pressure following the perceived failure of all three of his summer signings: Luís Guilherme, Niclas Füllkrug, and Jean-Clair Todibo.
To give Steidten his due, he recommended signing Jhon Durán during the summer window when £40 million would have been enough to secure the striker’s services. Given yesterdays failed £57m bid for the Aston Villa striker, some might have thought the Irons DOF would have bought himself some breathing space.
However, he is now criticised for perceived wastefulness, particularly with the Füllkrug and Guilherme deals, and the Todibo transfer is under heavy scrutiny.
West Ham revealed yesterday that the £35 million commitment to sign the French defender permanently from Nice is hindering further transfers—yet another nail in the coffin for Steidten’s job prospects in East London.
