Sources: Nils Koppen granted work permit after West Ham offer

Nils Koppen has been granted a work permit as he closes in on being appointed West Ham United’s new transfer chief, sources have told Football Insider.

The 39-year-old was awarded the permit at a hearing on Friday after agreeing terms with the Hammers.

Football Insider exclusively last Friday that Koppen is in advanced talks to join West Ham as they prepare for a huge overhaul this summer and a season in the Championship.

Koppen is now expected to leave his role at Copenhagen, where he has been their head of recruitment and scouting.

West Ham were always confident that Koppen would be granted a work permit given his experience and pedigree.

The 39-year-old was formerly the head of scouting at Rangers before he was appointed as their technical director.

His transfer business at Ibrox impressed many fans before he left the club in July 2025.

Who is Nils Koppen?

Koppen has picked up experience at a number of European clubs over the past 12 years.

In 2014, he joined Lommel United and became their head of academy, a role which he held until 2016.

From here, he spent two years at KRC Genk as their head of youth recruitment before he joined PSV in 2018.

Starting off as a youth scout, in just over five and a half years, he worked his way up to become a scout and a coordinator scout.

This eventually led him to Rangers in 2024, where he earned praise from former manager Philippe Clement for his work.

Now, after being at Copenhagen for nine months, he looks set to embark on his next adventure at the London Stadium.

What business are West Ham looking to do this summer?

While exits seem inevitable at the London Stadium this summer, West Ham are looking to make signings as well.

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that West Ham are among a number of clubs eyeing a move for San Diego FC defender Manu Duah.

The 21-year-old centre-back has impressed in the MLS, which has also attracted interest from the likes of Ipswich Town as well as many Ligue 1 clubs.

The defender earned a call-up to the Ghana national team last month, but San Diego refused him to leave outside an official FIFA window.

However, it remains to be seen if West Ham can get a deal over the line for Duah as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to reinforce his leaky backline.