The summer of 2023 saw Tim Steidten arrive at West Ham’s London Stadium, but his performance has failed to live up to the lofty expectations associated with his “pearl diver” moniker. The disappointment was compounded by the successful signing of Niclas Fullkrug, with rumors swirling that Steidten may look to offload the striker in the upcoming January transfer window. Reports hint at tension brewing between Steidten and manager Julen Lopetegui behind the scenes, adding to the turmoil at the club.
The recent 3-1 defeat to Leicester City only heightened the sense of crisis surrounding West Ham, with fans and pundits alike questioning the direction of the team. Lopetegui finds himself under increasing pressure, with many viewing him as a “dead man walking” in his role. The shaky ground at the London Stadium has put everyone on edge, and Steinberg’s assessment that Steidten should have a target on his back seems to strike a chord.
Steidten’s mixed record of signings, his inconsistent presence in moments of success and failure, and the overall lackluster performance of the team under his watch have all contributed to the growing scrutiny on the German. While there may be a glimmer of hope for Steidten to redeem himself in the coming months, the demand for tangible results and impactful signings is higher than ever. The pressure is on for Steidten to prove his worth in the next two transfer windows, displaying his ability to bring in young, talented players who can elevate West Ham’s performance on the pitch.
Although Steidten demonstrated competency during his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen and secured a promising signing in Mohammed Kudus, the overall recruitment strategy at West Ham has been lacking in recent times. The necessity for a shift in focus towards addressing crucial areas such as pace and power in central midfield has become glaringly obvious. With criticism mounting and the specter of potential changes looming over both Steidten and Lopetegui, the coming months will be pivotal for the future of West Ham’s leadership and the team’s performance on the field.