Exclusive: West Ham Boss Will Oversee January. A top West Ham United source has admitted that the club performed poorly in the summer transfer window and must adopt a smarter approach in the upcoming January window.
As revealed on this website last week, Hammers’ director of football, Tim Steidten, will not have the final say on transfers. However, Claret and Hugh has learned that any manager or head coach will still have input on recruitment, though the ultimate decision will not rest with them either.
Speaking with Claret & Hugh this morning, a senior club source was asked whether current head coach Julen Lopetegui—or his potential successor—would have any influence in the upcoming transfer window. The London Stadium insider confirmed: “We’ll take input from both [manager & Steidten], but it’s not easy as money has been spent. We now need to spend smarter and explore better deals and options.”
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The source continued: “I’m getting involved myself because I think we did so badly in the summer.”
As things stand, Julen Lopetegui continues to have input on transfers and suggested signings, but his job remains precarious. The head coach is unlikely to be given much more time if the team’s poor form persists.
The revelation creates an intriguing dynamic with director of football Tim Steidten, whose authority appears to have been significantly reduced. By all accounts, he will now act as a transfer advisor—a stark contrast to last summer, when he was given considerable freedom over recruitment. Unfortunately, the club appears to have been less than impressed with the outcomes of his recommendations.
