Coveted West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has been heavily linked with a switch to Premier League rivals Liverpool.
West Ham have been sweating on the future of ‘pearl diver’ Tim Steidten amid interest from Liverpool.
Multiple sources claimed the Reds had identified West Ham’s recruitment chief as their prime target to replace Jorg Schmadtke.
When reports emerged of Liverpool’s interest, the most senior source inside West Ham told me it would ‘not be easy’ to stop them luring Steidten away.
Steidten saga at an end
Steidten then publicly flirted with the idea of joining Liverpool last month.
The Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg also claimed West Ham could be fighting a losing battle to keep Steidten.
I reported on Hammers News in February that Steidten would be going nowhere after bringing in his brother Moritz and Max Hahn as scouts.
And there is great news for the Hammers this afternoon.
Steidten’s West Ham future sealed as Edwards returns to Liverpool
Because Steidten’s West Ham future is sealed as Liverpool’s owners make an official announcement.
Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have announced that Michael Edwards will be returning to lead the club’s recruitment.
“The 44-year-old executive will assume a broad range of responsibilities including leading efforts to identify and recruit new leadership for Liverpool FC’s football operation, and supporting the growth of FSG in global football through additional investment and acquisition,” FSG’s statement reads.
Edwards previously worked as sporting director at the Anfield club, overseeing a period of success which saw the team win seven major titles, including a UEFA Champions League trophy and ending a 30-year wait to become English top-flight champions.
Great news for Hammers
Ironically Edwards was linked with West Ham before Steidten’s appointment last summer.
The return of Edwards to Liverpool all but guarantees Steidten is staying at the London Stadium.
The Hammers’ technical director is already busy plotting summer transfers if recent reports are to be believed.
And he has a job on his hands with West Ham possessing the joint smallest squad in the Premier League of just 22 players.
The Hammers first team will need another rebuild in the summer. Steidten has a clear brief to find a new striker, central midfielder and full-backs.
And he will also head up finding a replacement manager should David Moyes depart West Ham.
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