After Alex Crook’s most recent update regarding the acquisition of Edson Alvarez from Ajax, David Moyes’ departure from West Ham is now appearing more plausible.
According to Crook, the Mexican is nearly done with a £30 million move to West Ham, which is being driven by the team’s new sporting director Tim Steidten.
However, the fact that this deal was approved demonstrates who the West Ham management is listening to, as the Daily Mail reported on Friday, August 4, that Moyes’ status at the club may be at risk due to the friction between the Scot and Steidten.
On the White and Jordan Show on talkSPORT on Monday, August 7, at 11:48 a.m., Crook said: “Edson Alvarez, an Ajax midfielder. That one appears to be developing, which is very possible.
“£35 million is the asking price, Alvarez is amenable to the transfer, and I think Tim Steidten, the new sporting director, has found his man.
We discussed the possibility of David Moyes seeking out Premier League players from the United Kingdom, but it appears that West Ham may be better off focusing on the international market.
While Alvarez does look to be a quality addition to West Ham, the fact that this is a Steidten-sanctioned move shows that Moyes’ voice is perhaps being ignored in favor of the new boy.
The Daily Record reported (1 August) that Moyes had exerted pressure on the board to make the necessary payment for the midfielder in order to complete a deal for James Ward-Prowse.
Sky Sports reports that the club is apparently looking at alternative possibilities after Southampton rejected their £30 million offer, which may indicate that they are unwilling to support the Scot.
This indicates that Moyes may soon be fired and also explains why West Ham has been so passive in the transfer market this summer.
Given that The Guardian (2 June) reported that the boards’ confidence in Moyes was dwindling prior to winning the final, it’s possible that the manager’s employment this summer was rescued by the Europa Conference League success.
The club’s dismal league performance was hidden by the goodwill around it, but this friction appears to be resurfacing now that the championship win’s luster has faded.
West Ham should have fired Moyes sooner and built their transfer strategy around a new manager if they did not see a future for him there. They appear to be weaker than before as they begin the current Premier League campaign and have made just one new signing, whose identity has not yet been verified.
Regardless of the history, the Hammers must prepare for a busy finale to the transfer window if they are to maximize their season. If Moyes wants to continue in East London, he will need a strong start to the season since he appears to be walking a fine line.