Tim Steidten was frustrated by the club’s inability to finalise a summer move for in-form Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
According to The Sun, West Ham director Tim Steidten was frustrated by numerous club-level decisions that went against his wishes, including the decision not to sign Jhon Duran. The 20-year-old in-form Aston Villa star was very close to signing for the Hammers, but the club failed to meet the Colombian’s asking price.
West Ham had a productive summer window, spending more than £150 million on new players. Among those who came in was Niclas Fullkrug, but the striker has yet to hit his stride as a Hammer, and their other strikers have also been struggling since the season began.
Director Tim Steidten had a big hand in those transfer dealings as well as outgoings, but he was left frustrated that other decisions did not go his way. The report highlights how I might have wanted Fabian Hurzeler as their new manager, but instead, the club chose Julen Lopetegui.
He was also frustrated at the club’s inability to close a deal for a younger striker. West Ham bowed out of the Jonathan David chase and decided against Jhon Duran. In both cases, the price tag was a big problem, as the Hammers board felt the two players were overpriced.
Duran and his agents were eager to join West Ham, while the 20-year-old in-form Aston Villa star also posted a picture of himself making the iron sign with his hands. At one stage, it felt like a matter of time before West Ham signed the Colombian agreement, but they were unwilling to meet his reported £40 million asking price.
Is it impossible for West Ham to sign Duran now?
Steidten might have some valid frustrations surrounding the Duran deal, as he will know the difficulties in signing the 20-year-old in-form Aston Villa star now. Since the season began, he has been their star off the bench and made a name for himself by scoring winners, especially the one against Bayern Munich in midweek.
Multiple reports suggest that Duran’s price has doubled now, making it very difficult for a side like West Ham to invest heavily in one player. Secondly, there are more big clubs in the equation for the Colombian, as he would certainly have better choices than the Hammers going forward.
