Tim Steidten deserves to be handed control at West Ham, following a debatable choice by David Moyes.
The 2023 summer transfer window for West Ham United saw the departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal, a significant move managed by David Moyes and Tim Steidten, who effectively replaced the English midfielder. Despite Rice’s departure for approximately £105 million to the Gunners, Steidten orchestrated the acquisition of Edson Alvarez as the primary replacement.
Alvarez’s signing was particularly notable as he was close to joining Chelsea, making his arrival a notable coup for West Ham. Widely regarded as the team’s linchpin, the 26-year-old defensive midfielder plays a pivotal role in the team’s cohesion and ball progression from the back.
Steidten’s influence in West Ham’s transfer dealings extends beyond Alvarez’s signing. He facilitated the arrivals of Mohammed Kudus and Konstantinos Mavropanos at the London Stadium, further underscoring his value to the club’s recruitment strategy.
While Kudus has made a positive impact, Alvarez stands out as the standout signing. However, the narrative could have been different if Moyes had his way during the summer transfer window.
Sofyan Amrabat was a prime target for West Ham before ultimately joining Manchester United on loan for the season. However, his struggles at Old Trafford, notably criticized by the Italian media, highlight a fortunate turn of events for West Ham.
Despite Moyes’s evident admiration for Amrabat during the 2022 World Cup, his inability to secure the midfielder’s signature suggests a divergence in transfer priorities between him and Steidten.
Looking ahead, the West Ham board should entrust Steidten with full control over transfers, allowing Moyes to focus solely on coaching responsibilities. The contrasting fortunes of Amrabat and Alvarez underscore the effectiveness of this setup, indicating a viable path forward for the club’s success.