West Ham United could be about to pull off the surprise of the summer, with Tim Steidten adding Thomas Tuchel to their list of potential managerial candidates.
That’s according to journalist Florian Plettenberg, who says Steidten is a big fan of the German and could make a move for him.
Tuchel is set to be a free agent in the summer after electing to leave Bayern Munich, with his decision to do so announced earlier this year.
He’ll be a highly attractive option for a number of clubs should that plan remain in place and it’s long been reported that he would personally like a return to the Premier League following his previous spell at Chelsea.
Tuchel won the Champions League with the Blues and according to Plettenberg is ‘ready to return to the Premier League’ this summer as a result.
That’s alerted West Ham, who look set to part ways with David Moyes when his current contract comes to an end.
The journalist reports that Ruben Amorim remains at the top of their list while Julen Lopetegui and Paulo Fonseca are also options being looked at.
But he also throws Tuchel into the mix, saying West Ham are keeping an eye on his situation and Steidten holds him in ‘very high regard’.
Now, the cynics among us would suggest Tuchel wouldn’t be tempted by West Ham given their stature and the clubs he’s managed in the past. He would, presumably, want a Champions League club or one expected to get into that competition going forwards.
But offers from such clubs may be thin on the ground this summer and the chance to return to London, with an upwardly mobile team like West Ham, who also boast a squad full of talent these days as well, could be tempting.
We have our doubts for now but if other offers don’t arrive, there’s every chance it happens and Steidten pulls off a major coup for the Hammers.
⚒️ Amorim remains at the top of the list for @WestHam!
➡️ Lopetegui is also still on the list
➡️ Another candidate is Fonseca (Lille) due to his style of play.
📍#WHUFC is also keeping an eye on Tuchel's situation, as Sporting Director Steidten holds him in very high… pic.twitter.com/4rJMpZV1zw
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 30, 2024