According to information from Graeme Bailey, West Ham United missed out on the opportunity to sign the now-Benfica striker Marcos Leonardo this month due to internal “disagreements” at the club. HITC reported on 19 January that the 20-year-old forward made the move to Portugal from Santos, citing the failure to reach an agreement over his signing at the London Stadium as the reason behind the transfer.

Allegedly, David Moyes has had limited alignment with the club’s top management ever since the arrival of technical director Tim Steidten last summer. This unsuccessful pursuit of Leonardo is suggested to be exacerbating the existing friction within the club.

West Ham is currently experiencing significant needs in their attacking positions due to injuries and international duty. The reported failure to secure Marcos Leonardo, who scored on his Benfica debut on 14 January, is attributed directly to the differences between Moyes and other senior figures at the club.

Reports of clashes between Steidten and Moyes surfaced in the summer during delays in signing players after the departure of Declan Rice. Despite the club’s successful late signings of Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Mohammed Kudus, it was widely assumed that Moyes was likely on his way out, considering how close he was to the end of his contract.

The unexpected development that Moyes is now expected to sign an extension may have emboldened him to confront Steidten once more. This raises questions about the club’s decision regarding Steidten’s future, as prolonged internal disputes would hinder efficient and decisive business operations.

While Moyes may favor established Premier League performers, Steidten’s involvement in acquiring players like Kudus has already proven successful. Unless a harmonious coexistence is achieved, the ongoing conflict poses a potential challenge for the club.