There has been much attention on Nuno Espirito Santo’s poor team selection during West Ham’s last two games.
Make no mistake about it, Nuno’s tinkering has been counterproductive — but it’s worth looking at precisely what he has to work with.
Whether you believe West Ham will appoint a new head of recruitment or Nuno will pick signings, one thing is clear: there’s set to be yet another influence on the Hammers squad.
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The team is already a mishmash of conflicting ideas, and when you put it under the microscope, it’s easy to see just how botched the club’s recruitment has been over the past few seasons.
Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten look over West Ham's training facilities
Steidten and Lopetegui are two of at least 10 influences on the current West Ham squad
West Ham’s Recruitment Chaos: Too Many Cooks, No Identity
With influences from numerous managers, agents, three different recruitment chiefs, and David Sullivan himself, it’s hardly surprising that the team has no identity. So, let’s take a look at West Ham’s matchday squad against Leeds — and, to the best of Claret & Hugh’s knowledge, who signed each player.
Areola: Initially on loan from PSG, likely rubber-stamped by David Moyes
Wan-Bissaka: Recommended by agent Will Salthouse
Todibo: Signed by Tim Steidten
Kilman: Former boss Julen Lopetegui insisted West Ham sign him
Scarles: Academy graduate
Souček: Recommended by scout Jordan Miles after work by Robbie Cook – a Moyes signing
Andy Irving: Signed by Tim Steidten
Lucas Paquetá: Recommended by Rob Newman to David Moyes after missing out on Jesse Lingard
Jarrod Bowen: 100% a David Moyes signing
Malick Diouf: Signed under Kyle Macaulay and Graham Potter
Summerville: A David Sullivan pick
Walker-Peters: Signed by David Sullivan and Dave Sullivan Jnr
Callum Wilson: Will Salthouse recommendation
Magassa: Kyle Macaulay and Graham Potter
Fernandes: Kyle Macaulay and Graham Potter
Potts: Academy graduate
It’s not my intention to criticise the players themselves — there’s certainly talent in that group. However, this list highlights the complete lack of direction from the club, which seems to let almost anyone have a go at signing footballers.
With such a scattergun approach, is it any surprise the team has no clear identity?