FC Copenhagen chief Nils Koppen is all set to join West Ham United, as he has been granted work permit.
West Ham United are closing in on the appointment of Nils Koppen, according to Football Insider, after a significant breakthrough in negotiations. The 41-year-old Belgian executive was granted a work permit on Friday after he agreed terms with the London club, removing one of the final obstacles standing in the way of his arrival.
West Ham’s hierarchy are eager to improve the club’s recruitment structure and long-term planning, with Koppen widely regarded as one of the most promising football administrators in Europe. His reputation has grown considerably in recent years thanks to his work in talent identification, squad building and strategic planning.
The club has undergone significant changes both on and off the pitch over the last few seasons, and its leadership remains determined to establish a sustainable model capable of helping them secure a return to the Premier League.
Bringing in an executive with Koppen’s profile represents an important part of that process, strengthening the decision-making structure behind the scenes as a key objective. He had an impressive spell at Rangers and received high praise from former manager Philippe Clement for his work.
After parting ways with the Scottish club, he made the move to FC Copenhagen towards the end of 2025. The 41-year-old technical director is now set for another switch, as West Ham have agreed terms with all parties.
Why West Ham want Koppen in their setup?
The work permit breakthrough has cleared a major administrative hurdle, well-positioning the Hammers to finalise the move. Koppen has built a reputation for identifying emerging talent and helping clubs maximise value in the transfer market; qualities increasingly important in modern football.
Following the London club’s relegation, they are set to have a very busy transfer window. Since they are destined to lose some of their top talents like Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville, West Ham will have to make quite a few quality additions as they look for an immediate return, and Koppen could play a massive role in their recruitment drive.
The Belgian chief’s football operations have attracted admiration from several clubs across Europe, making West Ham’s progress all the more encouraging. Securing his services would represent an important statement of intent from the East London outfit as they continue to modernise their sporting structure.
While no official announcement has been made yet, sources suggest that the deal is almost done. The successful work permit application has significantly improved the chances of the deal being completed in the coming days.
