Hammers technical director Tim Steidten was spotted in the crowd and it has West Ham United fans asking big questions.
West Ham recruitment chief Tim Steidten must be one of the only technical directors in football with their own terrace chant.
‘Timmy Steidten’s magic’ can be heard ringing out on concourses during Hammers matchdays.
That’s after the German made such a big impression with his first two major signings of Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez last summer.
But another chant would be pretty apt for Steidten this summer – he’s here, he’s there, he’s everywhere.
The former Bayer Leverkusen man is now in total control of all overarching football matters at West Ham.
From recruitment and strategy to working closely with Mark Noble on what he wants from the academy, Steidten also had a big say – alongside majority owner David Sullivan – in appointing new head coach Julen Lopetegui.
The pair have been in conversation on a daily basis identifying what West Ham need to do in the transfer market this summer.
Eight new signings are wanted overall with three already in the door.
Busy Steidten reportedly in Brazil for two lots of talks
West Ham are looking to sign a new striker, another centre-back, a full-back, a central midfielder and a left-sided attacker.
The situation surrounding Lucas Paqueta has complicated matters for West Ham.
Not only in terms of the case against him denying the club an £85m injection of cash to this summer’s transfer warchest.
The uncertainty over what will happen with Paqueta – and when – means West Ham must prepare for the worst.
Hence looking for that new attacker who can play off the left.
Rumours that Paqueta wants to be back home in Brazil with Flamengo are refusing to go away.
A possible high-tariff loan with an obligation to buy at a set price should he beat the charges against him has been mooted.
With around six weeks left of the summer transfer window it means Steidten is looking at an average of around one signing per week to give Lopetegui the squad he desires.
Steidten spotted and it has West Ham fans asking big questions
Reports have claimed he had flown back out to Brazil – where he spent several weeks since the end of last season – to speak with Paqueta about the situation.
There have also been claims that while there, Steidten will look to resurrect a move for Corinthians’ left-sided attacker Wesley Gassova.
The Hammers have seen a bid of £20m snubbed and the negotiations hit a brick wall with Spurs and Napoli also showing interest.
But now we know exactly where the Hammers technical director is.
Steidten has been spotted in the crowd and it has West Ham fans asking big questions.
Steidten was pictured alongside Lopetegui’s son Daniel – now part of the scouting setup at the club – in the crowd as West Ham drew 2-2 with Hungarian side Ferencvaros on Monday.
The picture was posted on social media by a Hammers fan at the game and re-posted by West Ham insider Sean Whetstone.
Fans left wondering over transfer progress
The fact Steidten was at the game raised some important questions and may have provided some clarity on claims doing the rounds too.
It clearly disproves any reports that have stated Steidten is currently in Brazil working on the Gassova deal or speaking with Paqueta.
That’s not to say the German has not been back out to Brazil before heading to Austria of course.
But Steidten’s presence at the match also had many supporters wondering why he was not elsewhere looking to get signings in.
And some believe it is a sign West Ham are not close to bringing in a striker, after the club told Hammers News that is the priority focus right now.
Of course nowadays negotiations can be done remotely.
But when West Ham are close to signing a player Steidten is always there in person to bring the deal home – as evidenced by his pictures on private jets and the like in the past.
The club has also told Hammers News what the £18m sale of Flynn Downes means for West Ham’s own targets.
The good news is the funds ‘will help a bit’ towards landing a new striker and other targets.
Five players are currently in West Ham’s sights right now – all Premier League based.
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