West Ham in Talks with Julen Lopetegui as Potential David Moyes Replacement

West Ham United have held productive talks with former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui as a potential replacement for current boss David Moyes ahead of the 2024/25 season. Moyes' contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, and with the Hammers winning just one of their last eight matches, the owners believe the team needs new management.

The 57-year-old Lopetegui, who has been out of work since leaving Wolves last summer, has impressed the West Ham hierarchy during discussions. He is seen as a leading candidate to take over at the London club, with the Spaniard currently the 2/1 favorite to succeed Moyes.

However, a final decision has not been made yet, and West Ham are also considering other candidates. The club had held talks with Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, but there are doubts over whether they are willing to pay his hefty €15 million buyout clause. Lille's Paulo Fonseca, who was previously interviewed by West Ham chairman David Sullivan in 2018, is another possibility.

Why this matters: The potential appointment of Lopetegui would mark a significant shift in West Ham's managerial direction as they aim to build on their recent success and push for a higher finish in the Premier League table. The choice of manager will have a major impact on the club's future ambitions and playing style.

While Lopetegui has experience in the Premier League from his time at Wolves and has won the Europa League with Sevilla, some within West Ham believe a younger, more progressive manager who can bring a fresh perspective would be a better fit. The club's technical director Tim Steidten is expected to play a key role in the selection process.

West Ham are preparing for change, with Moyes' departure seeming inevitable after a disappointing 5-2 defeat to Crystal Palace. The club's shortlist also includes Hansi Flick, Graham Potter, Steve Cooper, and Marco Silva. "West Ham are actively searching for a replacement for manager David Moyes and have held productive talks with former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui," a source close to the discussions revealed.

Key Takeaways

• West Ham in talks with Julen Lopetegui to replace David Moyes as manager.
• Lopetegui is the 2/1 favorite to succeed Moyes, whose contract expires in 2024/25.
• West Ham also considering Sporting's Ruben Amorim and Lille's Paulo Fonseca.
• Lopetegui's appointment would mark a shift in West Ham's managerial direction.
• West Ham actively searching for a replacement, with Moyes' departure seeming inevitable.