'Tim Steidten appointment to spark Crystal Palace collapse after Marc Guehi exit'

03/21/2025 06:00 AM

Crystal Palace’s appointment of Tim Steidten could have dire consequences ahead of a crucial summer transfer window.

Palace are trying to sign Oliver Glasner to a new contract, having now lost former sporting director Dougie Freedman to an expected new role in Saudi Arabia.

The loss of their former player and sporting director is a major one, as Freedman played a key role in bringing the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Adam Wharton to Selhurst Park.

However, Palace’s potential choice of replacement for their now-departed sporting director is concerning, with this summer set to be a crucial one.

Tim Steidten recruitment record at West Ham a huge concern

Football Insider have revealed Steidten is in pole position to replace Freedman in the role of sporting director.

The German made his name during his time at Werder Bremen, and Bayer Leverkusen, in the Bundesliga where he held similar positions.

Having played a major role in signing Kevin De Bruyne and Serge Gnabry for Bremen, he landed a the position of technical director at West Ham in 2023.

The 45-year-old was then tasked with rebuilding the Hammers in the summer of 2024 after the departure of David Moyes, and spent over £120million [transfermarkt] to do so.

However, after falling out with then-manager Julen Lopetegui, Steidten was replaced following the arrival of Graham Potter and Kyle Macaulay at the Olympic Stadium.

The summer splurge has been disastrous for the East London club, with only Aaron Wan-Bissaka currently looking like a worthwhile investment, and the club potentially looking to move on from a number of Steidten’s signings, despite joining only a year ago.

The former West Ham man’s track record in East London is concerning, as he will likely be tasked with a similar rebuild this summer at Palace if he joins.

Major rebuild required at Crystal Palace this summer

With club captain Marc Guehi now looking likely to leave, and interest in Wharton and Jean-Philippe Mateta, it is expected to be a busy summer transfer window at Selhurst Park.

Having lost Olise to Bayern Munich in the summer, this season began slowly for the London club, hovering around the relegation zone.

Despite pulling themselves up to a respectable 12th position under Glasner, the concern will be that losing more key players could once again put the Eagles in a battle against relegation if the right replacements aren’t sourced.

Whilst Steidten had success in Germany, his signings of De Bruyne and Gnabry came a decade ago, and he has failed to prove himself capable of operating the overhaul of a Premier League club.

Freedman’s ability to find gems in the Championship, with high-resale value will be difficult to replicate, and many may wonder whether West Ham‘s former man has the skillset to oversee such a delicate procedure.

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