Another two targets have bitten the dust for West Ham as the heat rises on technical director Tim Steidten after another week with no arrivals.
West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has been spotted with his phone attached to his ear during the club’s US tour.
The German is, perhaps for the first time, facing questions over his dealings from some West Ham fans.
Steidten declared his euphoria at having full control at West Ham following the departure of David Moyes.
That means the spotlight and pressure is all on Steidten now.
And that pressure is building with every passing week that West Ham do not make signings.
The Hammers want eight new arrivals to transform what was the Premier League’s smallest and second oldest squad.
So far only three have arrived and only one – £40m Max Kilman – is a guaranteed starter.
Transfer heat rises on Tim Steidten at West Ham
There are now less than three weeks to go until the new Premier League season kicks off.
And less than five weeks until the summer transfer window closes.
Five quality signings are needed – averaging at one per week – if Steidten is to give Julen Lopetegui the revamped young squad he desires.
The problem is more than three weeks have now passed since West Ham made their last acquisition.
A series of transfer collapses combined with an inability to get deals over the line or compete with rival suitors for targets has sparked concern.
West Ham’s 3-1 defeat to Wolves in pre-season overnight has not helped ease worries the team and squad is seriously short in key areas.
Now another two targets bite the dust for West Ham as the heat rises on Steidten.
Another two targets bite the dust for West Ham
The list of reported Hammers targets that the club have missed out on is growing ever longer.
Yesterday West Ham were hit with a blow when centre-back target Jake O’Brien agreed a move to a Premier League rival.
That came hot on the heels of a move for Bayern right-back Noussair Mazraoui falling through.
Steidten tried but failed to bring Wesley Gassova and fellow Brazilian Fabricio Bruno to the London Stadium.
And the Irons have struck out in trying to sign striker Youssef En-Nesyri, defender Jean-Clair Todibo and winger Matias Soule.
Iheanacho no go for JuLo and MLS star set for rivals
Reports abound any chance of a deal between West Ham and Villa for Jhon Duran is increasingly remote.
Now two more alleged targets identified by Steidten and Lopetegui are joining other clubs.
One of the striker names in the frame to join West Ham this summer has been free agent Kelechi Iheanacho.
It was reported West Ham were in discussions with Iheanacho’s agents.
But Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has exclusively revealed the Nigerian is set to join Lopetegui’s old club Sevilla as the replacement for En-Nesyri, who has signed for Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
“Kelechi Iheanacho is on the verge to join Sevilla,” Plettenberg revealed on X.
“Verbal agreement is done. The 27 year-old former Leicester striker will sign as a free agent. Arrival and medical scheduled for Tuesday/Wednesday.”
Hammers no go for Diego too as Seagulls swoop
In a second blow to West Ham’s plans, another Steidten target is joining Premier League rivals Brighton.
West Ham have been linked Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez.
It was stated earlier this week by the Sussex Express that the battle for Gomez was between West Ham and Brighton.
The 21-year-old Paraguayan midfielder was said to be available for £15m and was firmly on the Hammers’ radar.
But it is now being claimed Brighton are edging closer to signing Gomez from MLS ahead of West Ham.
It is understood Brighton have reached personal agreement with Gomez on a five-year deal.
Negotiations are ongoing on the fees around $18m-$20m (£14m-£15.5m) to get the deal done.
Gomez is currently participating at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for Paraguay.
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