West Ham identify Nils Koppen as leading candidate for director of recruitment job

Nils Koppen is the leading candidate to become West Ham United’s new director of recruitment.Koppen is the technical director for Danish side FC Copenhagen, a role he has held since March. He was previously their head of recruitment and scouting.A thorough interview process, involving members of the board, head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and Karim Virani, the interim chief executive officer, has seen a number of candidates considered for the role, but Koppen has emerged as the preferred option. West Ham intend to make an announcement early next week.The Athletic previously reported that the club were keen for an addition to their recruitment team; which includes sporting director Mark Noble, European first team scout Georges Santos, lead senior scout Adam Clarke.

Max Hahn, who played an important role in scouting Mateus Fernandes, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Axel Disasi, Soungoutou Magassa and Crysencio Summerville, resigned as head of recruitment last month. Since February 2025, other departures from the recruitment team include Tim Steidten and Kyle Macaulay. Steidten memorably clashed with ex-West Ham manager David Moyes.The change of title from director of football to director of recruitment is to reflect the different nature of the role. Moving forward, West Ham intend to adopt a holistic approach with transfers.Koppen previously worked alongside Virani at Rangers and held the positions of director football recruitment and technical director. During his 18-month spell, he played a role in the arrival of striker and Morocco international Hamza Igamane, who is now at Lille.Koppen worked in the recruitment team at PSV between July 2018 to January 2024. He was involved in the recruitment of Ismar Saibair, an attacking midfielder, and winger Yohan Bakyako, who was a previous West Ham transfer target.The club is keen to sign a winger with Summerville expected to leave this summer, amid interest from Manchester United, while the board has no intention of selling club captain Jarrod Bowen despite strong interest from Aston Villa. The Athletic reported in June that Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry is among their transfer targets.Jun 26, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms