Fabrizio Romano has defended Tim Steidten’s transfer strategy at West Ham after criticism that it is scattergun in its approach.
For all the progress West Ham made under David Moyes, the current state of the squad is perhaps the Scot’s biggest failure.
When Moyes returned to the London Stadium in 2020, he pledged to build a new-look Hammers squad around young, hungry talent in line with the famous Red Bull model he had studied closely during his extended spell out of the game.
West Ham fans had grown sick of seeing the club sign over-the-hill stars – usually on big money – in an incoherent and often ill-conceived manner.
Whether entirely Moyes’ fault or not, though, that proved to be nothing more than lip service.
And Jarrod Bowen was as good as it got when it comes to signing younger players not on the radar of the elite.
Steidten accused of scattergun approach to West Ham transfers
Tim Steidten has not pledged to try and emulate the Red Bull model.
But the technical director has made it clear he and Julen Lopetegui want to sign – in the main – young, versatile players who can play in multiple positions.
That was underlined when the Hammers made Brazilian teenage sensation Luis Guilherme their first capture of the summer window.
It has been slow going since, though, with Steidten struggling to make headway on plans to sign eight new players.
Wes Foderingham has arrived on a free as West Ham’s third choice goalkeeper.
And eyebrows have been raised by some over the £40m paid for defender Max Kilman.
Romano defends Steidten strategy at West Ham after criticism
The club has been linked with a plethora of players in all manner of positions with new names emerging almost every day.
Steidten has seen a host of deals collapse while a series of targets have snubbed West Ham for moves elsewhere.
It has brought pressure on Steidten for the first time since his arrival in east London after leaving Bayer Leverkusen.
West Ham confirmed they currently have six irons in the fire.
But some fans have been left scratching their heads at the stark contrast between some of the targets.
The latest example being a move for old fashioned German striker Niclas Fullkrug – who turns 32 next season – after a deal for young 20-year-old Jhon Duran stalled.
‘We know how West Ham work’
The Hammers have been forced to deny bizarre claims Steidten could be sacked if the transfer window pain continues.
Many observers have labelled the club’s approach to this window as scattergun.
Now Fabrizio Romano has defended the Steidten strategy at West Ham after criticism.
The Italian transfer reporter says instead of looking at the club’s approach in a negative way, fans should instead view it as clever and savvy.
“We know how West Ham United work, they always have several options,” Romano told Give Me Sport.
“They like to negotiate for several players in the same position, and then close the deal as soon as they are convinced…
“I think West Ham will do something else, for sure, on the market in that position (left sided attacker).”
Ex West Ham coach Kevin Nolan thinks he knows why West Ham are struggling to make signings.
Fan concerns are understandable given it has been over three weeks since West Ham’s last signing.
But surely it is better that the Hammers have a number of alternative targets in their sights rather than having tunnel vision for one or two players.
That was a mistake Moyes made in the past by obsessing over the likes of Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard.
Steidten should be judged at the end of the window and not before.
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