West Ham slammed for 'cheap solution' after work permit granted - expert

West Ham United have opted for a cheap option in their pursuit of a new director of recruitment by approaching Nils Koppen.

That is the opinion of experienced former Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa senior scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

Sources told Football Insider last week that the Hammers have entered advanced talks to appoint FC Copenhagen's technical director.

Koppen has since been granted a work permit ahead of his expected arrival at the London Stadium, ahead of what will be a crucial summer for West Ham.

The Irons have already lost Mateus Fernandes after an £85million fee was agreed with Tottenham, and several others could need replacing before the season kicks off.

West Ham also reportedly considered Newcastle United's former head of recruitment Steve Nickson, but the direction of travel now appears to be heading towards Koppen.

Bryan King critical of West Ham move

Koppen's career began in 2004, with a string of roles in youth coaching before he eventually made his way to Genk as a scout.

From there, the Belgian moved to PSV, ultimately becoming head of scouting in 2023.

Rangers offered him the same position in 2024 but later made him technical director, a role Koppen would stay in for just seven months.

The 49ers' purchase of the club last summer came with restructuring and the appointment of new names, with the 41-year-old among those shown the door.

Among Koppen's greatest successes at Ibrox was the signing of Hamza Igamane, who left for £10.4m last summer just a year after arriving in a deal worth £2.5m.

But King is not convinced. "Must be a cheap solution," he told Football Insider. "It must be a cheap solution if they're going to FC Copenhagen to bring in a sporting director."

Nils Koppen - the right choice for West Ham?

Initial links to Nickson had been exciting. The former Newcastle chief was involved in deals that brought the likes of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes to the Premier League.

But those deals were pulled off with the attraction of top-flight football and endless money courtesy of Saudi Arabia - luxuries West Ham do not have.

Koppen has a history of working to a budget, and favours younger, hungrier players from throughout Europe.

If the Hammers are not only to go straight back up to the Premier League, but to build there once more, that is just the sort of approach needed.