Graham Potter faces a daunting challenge following Steidten’s £50 million transfer blunders.
Graham Potter is now dealing with the costly consequences of Tim Steidten’s failed tenure as West Ham’s director of football.
Tim Steidten was dismissed from his role at West Ham shortly after Graham Potter was appointed head coach in early January.
Following Potter’s arrival as Julen Lopetegui’s successor, Steidten’s access to West Ham’s internal systems was revoked—an entirely justified decision.
His tenure saw a series of disastrous transfer decisions that ultimately led to his downfall.
Steidten failed to recognize the importance of power and pace in the Premier League, a crucial oversight that cost him dearly.
Now, Potter faces a significant challenge in rectifying the situation left behind by the German.
Major Squad Overhaul on the Horizon for West Ham
West Ham’s current squad is severely unbalanced.
They also have the oldest team in the Premier League, a situation that requires urgent attention.
Years of poor squad-building have caught up with the club, and the consequences are now evident.
Reports suggest Potter is preparing for a major squad revamp in the summer, aiming to inject more youth and energy into his side.
However, financial constraints at the London Stadium pose a significant obstacle.
Unfortunately for Potter, much of the club’s current financial strain can be traced back to the mistakes made under Steidten’s watch.
Costly Transfers Hindering Potter’s Plans
Steidten was instrumental in bringing Niclas Fullkrug and Luis Guilherme to West Ham during the summer of 2024.
The pair cost the club around £50 million, yet neither signing addressed the team’s actual needs.
At the time, West Ham desperately required a quick and dynamic young striker—hence the board’s push to sign Jhon Duran.
Instead, they ended up with Fullkrug, who was never suited to either the club or the demands of the Premier League.
Similarly, the signing of Guilherme was unnecessary.
Rather than securing a midfield powerhouse, which was a pressing need, Steidten opted for a teenage winger—a puzzling decision given the squad’s requirements.
Now, with West Ham operating under tight financial restrictions, Potter is being forced to deal with the repercussions of his predecessor’s missteps, even before he has had the opportunity to fully implement his own vision at the club.
