Even Aston Villa’s world renowned Monchi is finding out what happens when you take on West Ham technical director Tim Steidten in the transfer market.
When it comes to sporting directors Aston Villa have one of the best around in Monchi.
But West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten is showing he belongs in that company.
Coveted by Spurs, Chelsea – and for a time Liverpool – before being appointed by West Ham, Steidten is slowly transforming the Hammers’ approach to recruitment.
West Ham have been something of a running joke in the transfer market over the years.
An incoherent, scattergun approach saw the Hammers often used by big names past their best for one last pay day.
Villa set the bar for West Ham on transfers
Aston Villa, by contrast, have been a sleek, stealthy operation only improved by the arrival of Monchi.
Fans of West Ham have marvelled at some of the business Aston Villa have done. But more so the way they have done it.
No protracted sagas where every spit and cough is played out in the football media.
It’s often bang, player signed, announcement made at Aston Villa.
Well things are changing at West Ham with Steidten in full control since the departure of David Moyes.
And Aston Villa are, rather ironically, one of their latest victims.
Steidten has outwitted Monchi as West Ham stand aside for Villa to sign star only to seal a superior deal.
Steidten outwits Monchi as to seal superior deal
In their search for a versatile new defender the Hammers had set their sights on Lutsharel Geertruida.
The versatile 23-year-old can play centre-back, right-back and in defensive midfield.
Geertruida has already played nearly 200 games for Feyenoord and has seven caps for Holland.
He was one of Arne Slot’s most trusted and influential players.
Geertruida is being tipped to leave as he is going into the last year of his deal.
And Fabrizio Roman has revealed Aston Villa have joined West Ham by adding Geertruida to their shortlist.
“Villa are monitoring him as potential new option,” Romano confirmed.
He is not the only centre-back target Villa have been looking at.
Now it has become clear why Villa have turned to the Dutchman.
Because it has coincided with West Ham leaving the race and signing another Villa target instead.
West Ham and Aston Villa have both been linked with Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.
Just three weeks ago Get French Football News claimed Aston Villa were trying to hijack a move for Todibo.
Hammers stand aside for Villa after winning Todibo race
At one stage it was even stated that Villa was his most likely destination if the Frenchman moved to the Premier League because they could offer Champions League football.
But it looks like Steidten has played Monchi and Aston Villa like a flute.
Because West Ham have sensationally beaten Villa and Juventus to Todibo.
The former Barca man is in London now having his West Ham medical.
It will put the cherry on the cake of a stunning week of transfer business from West Ham.
After signing the Championship’s best player Crysencio Summerville, the Hammers then snared Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug.
A day later Argentinian World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez arrived on a free transfer.
Now Todibo is set to be unveiled in the next 24 hours after agreeing to join West Ham.
No wonder Villa have turned to Geertruida. The Dutchman is a fine player, make no mistake.
But as a central defender Todibo is far superior.
While Geertruida offers versatility as both a centre-back and right-back, Todibo’s consistent performance in central defence make him a far better choice for clubs like West Ham and Villa who are seeking to bring in a new commanding central defender.
Todibo’s ability to dominate defensively, coupled with his experience at higher levels of competition, makes Todibo a more impactful and dependable signing than Geertruida.
The big winner in this deal, though, is Steidten.
And even Monchi will admire how well the German has played this particular deal.
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