Claret & Hugh understands that West Ham United are on the verge of a significant backroom change, with Head of Technical Recruitment & Analysis Maximilian Hahn “99% likely to leave the club”. While the final details remain unconfirmed, the timing of his departure has raised important questions about the direction of the club’s evolving football structure.
Daniel Křetínský Driving West Ham Restructure
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At this stage, it is unclear whether Hahn is set to join another club or whether his exit is part of the wider restructuring ahead of the anticipated appointment of a new Director of Football later this week.
What is clear is that the broader strategic overhaul is being driven by major shareholder [Daniel Křetínský](https://www.claretandhugh.info/breaking-west-ham-keep-nuno-as-kretinsky-wins-sullivan-power-battle/), who has taken a hands-on role in shaping the club’s future recruitment model.
Kieran Scott has been widely reported as a leading contender for the Director of Football role, but he is not the only name in the frame. There is growing speculation that Paul Wagner is also being seriously considered, with both candidates viewed as strong fits for the modern, data-driven football model Křetínský wants at West Ham.
Maximilian Hahn Played Major Role In West Ham Recruitment
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Hahn’s expected departure will come as a surprise to many supporters, having been credited with identifying a number of players, including El Hadji Malick Diouf.
He was also instrumental in partnering with Amazon Web Services and Crayon to create a generative AI talent identification system, which I have previously written about. In addition to this, the club implemented Gradient Sports Player Grades with a focus on recruitment, player benchmarking and match analysis.
West Ham Football Identity Being Rebuilt Behind The Scenes
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Hahn’s near-certain exit, coupled with the imminent arrival of a new [Director of Football](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-close-in-on-key-appointment-as-major-football-reset-begins/), signals that the club are deliberately reshaping their identity from the inside out.