Two more targets bite the dust for West Ham as the heat rises on Tim Steidten

The German is facing, perhaps for the first time, questions about his relationships from some West Ham fans.

Steidten has expressed his euphoria at being in full control at West Ham following the departure of David Moyes.

That means the focus and pressure is now on Steidten.

And that pressure grows with each passing week that West Ham don’t make signings.

The Hammers want eight new arrivals to transform what was the Premier League’s smallest and second-oldest team.

Only three have arrived so far and only one – £40million Max Kilman – is a guaranteed starter.

Transfer heat grows on Tim Steidten at West Ham

There are now less than three weeks until the start of the new Premier League season.

And less than five weeks until the summer transfer window closes.

Five quality signings – an average of one a week – are needed if Steidten is to give Julen Lopetegui the revamped young squad he wants.

The problem is, it’s been more than three weeks since West Ham made their last signing.

A series of transfer collapses, combined with an inability to get offers over the line or compete with rival suitors for targets, has sparked concern.

West Ham’s 3-1 defeat to Wolves in pre-season overnight did little to ease the team’s worries and the squad is seriously short in key areas.

Now two more targets bite the dust for West Ham as the heat rises on Steidten.

Two more targets bite the dust for West Ham

The list of reported Hammers targets the club have missed out on continues to grow.

West Ham were dealt a blow yesterday when centre-back target Jake O’Brien agreed to move to a Premier League rival.

That came after a move for Bayern right-back Noussair Mazraoui went down.

Steidten tried but failed to bring Wesley Gassova and fellow Brazilian Fabricio Bruno to the London Stadium.

And the Irons have struck in their bid to sign striker Youssef En-Nesyri, defender Jean-Clair Todibo and winger Matias Soule.

Iheanacho no go for JuLo and MLS star set for rivals

Reports abound that any chance of a deal between West Ham and Villa for Jhon Duran is increasingly remote.

Now two other alleged targets identified by Steidten and Lopetegui are joining other clubs.

One of the striker names to join West Ham this summer was free agent Kelechi Iheanacho.

It has been reported that West Ham have held talks with Iheanacho’s agents.

But Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg exclusively revealed that the Nigerian will join Lopetegui’s old club Sevilla as a replacement for En-Nesyri, who signed for Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.

“Kelechi Iheanacho is on the verge of joining Sevilla,” Plettenberg revealed to X.

“The verbal agreement is done. The 27-year-old former Leicester striker will sign as a free agent. Arrival and medical scheduled for Tuesday/Wed.”

Hammers are no match for Diego either, as the Seagulls pounce

In a second blow to West Ham’s plans, another Steidten target joins Premier League rivals Brighton.

West Ham have been linked with Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez.

Earlier this week, the Sussex Express stated that the battle for Gomez was between West Ham and Brighton.

The 21-year-old Paraguayan midfielder was reportedly available for £15million and was firmly on the Hammers’ radar.

But it is now claimed that Brighton are closing in on signing Gomez from MLS ahead of West Ham.

Brighton are understood to have agreed personal terms with Gomez on a five-year deal.

Negotiations are ongoing for fees of around $18m-$20m (£14m-£15.5m) to complete the deal.

Gomez is currently competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics for Paraguay.

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