Exclusive: Tim Steidten in pole position to join Crystal Palace
Tim Steidten is in pole position to become the next sporting director at Crystal Palace, sources have told Football Insider.
Oliver Glasner has given the green light for the German to replace Dougie Freedman, who has now left Selhurst Park to take up a role overseas.
Steidten’s most recent role was at West Ham, where he was dismissed following Graham Potter’s appointment and replaced by Kyle Macauley – a long-time friend of the boss.
He had previously received high acclaim for his work at Bayer Leverkusen, where he was instrumental in the signings of Jeremie Frimpong, Moussa Diaby and more.
During his time at Werder Bremen, he completed loan deals for both Serge Gnabry from Arsenal and Kevin de Bruyne from Man City – proving his pedigree on a limited budget.
However, questions have been raised about his time at West Ham after a public falling-out with David Moyes, who eventually banned him from the club’s training ground.
Tim Steidten concerns raised after West Ham exit
Freedman has been credited with signing the likes of Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Michael Olise while at Palace, and is highly respected within the game.
Wharton has attracted interest from Man City and Guehi is a key target for Liverpool this summer, in a testament to the Eagles’ impressive recruitment.
As a result, his departure has set off alarm bells at Selhurst Park as Palace seek a replacement before what could be a crucial summer transfer window for Glasner.
However, former West Ham scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that Steidten clashed with David Moyes and Julen Lopetegui, leading to both manager’s departures.
Glasner, meanwhile, left both Wolfsburg and Frankfurt after falling out with their respective sporting directors over their transfer plans and direction.
Crystal Palace eye Oliver Glasner contract extension after talks held
Glasner’s future has been a key talking point at Palace in recent weeks, as the boss will have just one year remaining on his contract come the summer.
Brown told Football Insider on 18 March that Palace want Glasner to sign a new contract and have already begun talks over a potential agreement.
The Eagles are thought to be doing all they can to extend the manager’s stay following an impressive 13 months since he took over from Roy Hodgson last season.
Despite a slow start to the season, Palace remain just six points shy of European qualification and are preparing to face Fulham in the FA Cup quarter final.
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