Steidten returns to bundesliga as new scouting director for fc köln

Former Seattle Sounders player Tim Steidten is heading back to the bundesliga, taking on a prominent role with 1. FC Köln. The 46-year-old joins the club as Director of Squad Planning & Recruiting, a newly created position, after a stint with West Ham United.

Steidten brings premier league experience to cologne

Steidten’s appointment marks a significant bolstering of Köln's scouting and recruitment infrastructure. He previously served as Technical Director at West Ham until early February 2025. “I'm pleased to be returning to the bundesliga after my time in the PremierLeague,” Steidten stated. His previous experience includes leading the scouting department at Werder Bremen, where he was eventually promoted to Sporting Director. A move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2019 saw him initially focus on scouting before becoming Sporting Coordinator in 2022.

The decision to take a sabbatical last year allowed Steidten to carefully consider his next career move. He aims to contribute to the long-term stability of FC Köln in the bundesliga. “I want to do my part to help the FC play stably in the bundesliga in the future,” Steidten said.

FC Köln Managing Director Thomas Kessler highlighted Steidten’s extensive experience and strong international network as key assets. The club is clearly prioritizing a more robust and globally-minded approach to player acquisition. This move signals a renewed focus on building a sustainable squad for the challenges of the bundesliga.

Steidten’s return to German football is a testament to his proven track record in player development and scouting. His insights will be invaluable as Köln navigates the complexities of modern squad building.