With [Maximilian Hahn](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-hit-by-new-resignation-crisis-ahead-of-crucial-transfer-window-insider/) set to leave West Ham, there are questions as to whether his work was actually implemented within the recruitment structure, given that Moyes, Lopetegui, Potter and now Nuno have had made their own signings during the German’s time at the club.
His brief was fairly simple, identify talent at an early stage, with a view that the club could emulate the success of clubs such as Brighton and Brentford.
Hahn and the wider scouting network has long kept tabs on emerging European talents. Several of those once monitored have since taken significant steps in their careers, some thriving, some still finding their footing.
I thought it would be interesting to look back on some of these players and see how they have progressed.
**Idrissa Gueye (19) – On loan at Udinese from Metz**
Senegalese striker Idrissa Gueye, once flagged by West Ham scouts for his physical profile and early breakthrough at Génération Foot, moved from Metz to Udinese on loan with an obligation to buy. Udinese have since activated the buy‑out clause, making the transfer permanent. Although not yet a regular starter, he recently scored his first Serie A goal after coming off the bench impressing the club’s hierarchy.
His loan spell followed a promising period at Metz, where he scored five goals in Ligue 2 and earned Ligue 2 Young Player of the Month in February 2025. _At 19, Gueye remains raw but highly regarded for his athleticism and upside._
**Lucas Stassin (21) – 23 goals in 59 for Saint‑Étienne**
Belgian forward Lucas Stassin has developed into a prolific striker at Saint‑Étienne, accumulating 59 appearances and 23 goals for the club. His 2025–26 Ligue 2 campaign has been especially strong, recording 11 goals and 8 assists with a high overall performance rating. _Stassin’s rise has validated early scouting interest, and has already broken into Belgium’s senior national team setup._
**Ezechiel Banzuzi (21) – 24 appearances for RB Leipzig**
Hahn’s hunch: Ezechiel Banzuzi
Dutch‑Congolese midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi has taken a major step having joined RB Leipzig in 2025, after Karren Brady’s “Take it or leave it offer” to join West Ham was swiftly rejected. He has made 24 Bundesliga appearances for the club. His path from NAC Breda to OH Leuven and now Leipzig reflects his steady rise. _Leipzig view him as a long‑term project with high ceiling due to his size (1.91m), versatility, and ball‑carrying ability._
Swiss midfielder Ardon Jashari completed a high‑profile move to AC Milan in August 2025. Before joining Milan, he was Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year in Belgium after a standout season with Club Brugge, where he helped win the Belgian Cup and reach the Champions League knockouts. At Milan, Jashari has been used as a dynamic, left‑footed midfielder capable of dictating tempo and covering ground. _His €33.5m + €4.5m transfer fee underlines how highly he is rated._
**Eli Junior Kroupi – Bournemouth**
French prodigy Eli Junior Kroupi has exploded onto the Premier League scene with Bournemouth. West Ham were keen to sign the striker from Lorient, yet given the French club were owned by Black Knight Football Club, who also own Bournemouth there was always only going to be one winner for his signature. In his debut season, he scored 13 goals in 33 league appearances, becoming the first teenager since Robbie Fowler to hit double figures in a Premier League debut campaign. _His performances have drawn interest from Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal, with Bournemouth valuing him at £80m. Kroupi’s versatility operating as a No.10, winger has made him one of Europe’s most coveted young attackers._
**Raphael Onyedika – Club Brugge**
Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika has become a key figure at Club Brugge since joining in 2022. He recently won his second Belgian Pro League title, making 30 league appearances in the 2025–26 season. _However, Onyedika has rejected a contract extension and is pushing for a move, with Brugge demanding around €20m. His ball‑winning ability and physical presence continue to make him an attractive midfield option._
Hahn and his team clearly identified a strong crop of emerging talent, players who have since risen sharply in value and reputation.
How West Ham choose to reshape their recruitment strategy after his departure remains an open question.