- West Ham United have been without a technical director since Tim Steidten departed in January 2025
- Atalanta’s Cristiano Giuntoli was in ‘advanced talks’ with the Hammers
- West Ham are expected to pursue a “top class” addition following Nuno Espirito Santo’s confirmed stay
Following the confirmation of Nuno Espírito Santo’s stay, the attention of West Ham United’s hierarchy is likely to shift towards securing a technical director to support their Portuguese head coach as the club prepares for life outside the Premier League for the first time in 14 years.
Since Tim Steidten’s departure in January 2025, the Hammers have not had an official technical director. The aforementioned German left following a tense relationship with then-manager Julen Lopetegui, and his recruitment process came under fire during his 18 months in post, including the signing of Niclas Fullkrug, who is now on loan at AC Milan.
Under Lopetegui’s successor, Graham Potter, Kyle Macauley served as his head of recruitment before leaving for Manchester United. West Ham icon and former club captain Mark Noble currently serves as the sporting director but primarily acts as a link between the academy set-up and the first team.
Cristiano Giuntoli was in ‘advanced talks’ with West Ham ahead of impending Atalanta deal
West Ham’s prolonged search for a Tim Steidten replacement has been closer than expected. Cristiano Giuntoli was in advanced negotiations with the Hammers before agreeing to terms with Atalanta, according to journalist Alfredo Pedullà.
The former Napoli and Juventus director was thought to be close to striking a deal with West Ham. However, the East London club’s difficulties combined with Atalanta’s interest brought discussions with the 54-year-old to an end as the Serie A side closed in on a deal for Giuntoli.
Although Pedullà’s report does not specify the exact timing of the negotiations, it is expected that they would have come this season, after Giuntoli was fired by Juventus last summer and was without a club for the 2025-26 season.
The director is expected to join the former Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri in Bergamo.
Daniel Křetínský is leading the move for a ‘top-class director’
West Ham’s move for a footballing director has re-emerged in the club discourse, especially after Daniel Křetínský’s graduation influence in the boardroom.
Major shareholder Křetínský has increased his stake in West Ham since the passing of David Gold and was the main backing force behind the decision to keep Nuno.
Despite David Sullivan remaining the biggest voice in the hierarchy room, it has been cited that Křetínský has taken a role in overhauling the sporting leadership. “Křetínský would want to see a top-class chief executive replace [Karren] Brady [who left the club in April]… equally a top-class sporting director,” said former Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow.
Křetínský’s increased involvement comes at a necessary time, where his care of the club has been questioned following his shadow presence in recent months.
