West Ham’s Director of Football, Tim Steidten, faces increasing frustration as the January transfer window looms, with his past decisions under scrutiny. The Hammers have struggled on the pitch this season under manager Julen Lopetegui, and many of Steidten’s summer signings have yet to make an impact, drawing criticism from fans and pundits alike.
While players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Carlos Soler, Crysencio Summerville, and Max Kilman have been well-received by the West Ham fanbase, other signings, particularly striker Niclas Fullkrug and Brazilian midfielder Luis Guilherme, have raised eyebrows. Despite their hefty price tags, these players have yet to deliver the expected performances.
With West Ham fans clamoring for new additions in January to strengthen the squad, their hopes may be dashed by the club’s financial situation. According to BBC News, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, who owns a 27% stake in the club, recently had his £3.6 billion purchase of Royal Mail cleared by the UK government. This development could further complicate the club’s transfer plans, as it is unclear how much financial support owner David Sullivan will provide, especially given his reluctance to spend big in previous windows.
As the January transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen whether West Ham will be able to make the necessary moves to improve their squad amid these financial constraints.