This summer was the first transfer window in which Technical Director Tim Steidten has been able to have full control over recruitment.
It was common knowledge that previously, both David Moyes and David Sullivan also had their fingers in the pie and, while West Ham’s recruitment record over the last few seasons has generally been the best it’s been in the modern era, the summer just gone has seen it jump up a level.
Working alongside manager Julen Lopetegui, Stiedten has been able to deliver eight very good additions to the squad in the most recent window, including the likes of Max Killman, Crysencio Summerville and Carlos Soler.
But two in particular stood out above the rest. The capture of both Niclas Fullkrug and Jean-Clair Todibo undoubtedly highlighted not only the ambition of the club as we enter this new era, but also the pull it has when targeting top level talent.
With a European trophy in the bag and a top level coach at the helm, it is these types of signings that can keep a side like West Ham on right track to continue competing in Europe and for major honours. Stiedten has already proven to be incredibly influential in making that happen. Indeed, it all needs to translate onto the pitch, but the correct tools are in place and at Lopetegui’s disposal to now go and do the work.
Many will be wondering just how the Stiedten were able to tempt the likes of Fullkrug and Todibo to east London. After all, Fullkrug starred for Germany at the Euros last summer and started for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, while Todibo was reportedly Juventus’ number one defensive target all summer.
However, details have now emerged regarding Todibo’s switch to West Ham which no doubt underline the importance of Stiedten’s presence at the football club.
According to The Athletic, it wasn’t only Juventus who West Ham beat to the Frenchman’s signature, it was also Tottenham and Newcastle, who both showed an interest. The report even claims Todibo had a meeting with Newcastle in July.
So the fact West Ham United, with no European football this season, was able to beat the likes of those three clubs and their financial power, to the signing of Todibo speaks volumes of the work Stiedten must’ve done behind the scenes to get the deal over the line.
We know that he jumped on a last minute plane to France to push the deal through after it had emerged Juventus might be close to an agreement but, beyond that, the rest of the details of how exactly we won that race have not been revealed.
Fullkrug credits Stiedten
Fullkrug has also name dropped Stiedten when being asked what attracted him to West Ham in the past.
The pair already knew each other from when they were both at Werder Bremen, and the Germany international admitted that was one of the factors behind his decision to leave Borussia Dortmund for east London.
He told Sport Bild: “I’ve had a good relationship with Tim Stiedten since our time together at Werder.
“He played a big part. In the end, the decisive factor was the discussions with coach Julen Lopetegui. I had a good feeling straight away.
“He explained to me where he saw me on the pitch, how I could help the team with my strengths. He immediately gave me the impression that he really wanted me and that I was needed.
“I received this appreciation because I performed particularly well in the Champions League and in the national team – including at the home European Championships.”
While both Fullkrug and Todibo have had to be patient and wait for their chance to really show what they can do in claret and blue so far this term, there is no doubt both have what it takes to enjoy successful careers at London Stadium.
And with Stiedten and Lopetegui running things, perhaps we might expect to see more big names signing up to the project over the coming years.
