(Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media/Imago)

James Murray

Fri 13 March 2026 14:45, UK

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Karren Brady played a major role in West Ham United’s recruitment in the latest January transfer window. 

The Hammers strengthened their squad with the permanent additions of Taty Castellanos, Pablo Felipe and Adama Traore.

Meanwhile, Axel Disasi and Keiber Lamadrid joined on loan deals from Chelsea and Deportivo La Guaira.

Those signings have helped Nuno Espirito Santo’s side pick up some vital points in their fight against relegation. 

West Ham’s transfer activity has been questioned in recent windows, but the likes of Castellanos and Disasi have already nailed down starting spots at the London Stadium. 

What West Ham said about Karren Brady’s transfer involvement

West Ham headed into the January window several points adrift of the sides above them following their poor run of form in the first half of the season.

However, the Irons, who sit 18th in the Premier League table, have now pulled level on points with fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest and within one point of 16th-place Tottenham after 29 matches. 

West Ham held a meeting with the club’s Fan Advisory Board (FAB) on 26 February, with the minutes released on Thursday (12 March). 

A wide range of topics were discussed between the two parties, including questions around the Hammers’ transfer strategy. 

While it was confirmed Brady is responsible for everything except the footballing side of matters, it was revealed shareholders asked the club’s vice-chair to manage the negotiation of transfers in the latest January window.

The 56-year-old is understood to have worked on the majority of the mid-season signings, including the additions of new strikers Castellanos and Pablo from Lazio and Gil Vicente. 

How West Ham relegation could impact new hire

Brady’s involvement in transfers does raise questions around West Ham’s recruitment strategy at the London Stadium.

However, the Hammers insisted the department is comparable in size to other clubs and comprises “experienced staff”, who are doing “great work”.

It was revealed the club have been looking to appoint a director of football that will sit above the existing recruitment structure. 

In the event West Ham are relegated to the Championship this season, it was confirmed such a hire will still take place. 

Nuno’s side have shown signs they are capable of picking up the necessary points to avoid relegation following their recent upturn in form.

They are now preparing to take on Manchester City at the London Stadium on Saturday (14 March).