Julen Lopetegui is reportedly on the verge of becoming the new manager of West Ham United, with a deal expected to be finalized at the end of the season. The 57-year-old, who previously managed clubs like Real Madrid and Sevilla, has been without a managerial role since leaving Wolves last August.
The move comes amid increasing pressure on current West Ham boss David Moyes, who has faced criticism following a string of poor results. The Hammers have won just one of their last nine Premier League matches and were recently eliminated from the Europa League. Sunday's 5-0 defeat to Chelsea further heightened speculation about Moyes' future.
Moyes, whose contract expires in the summer, has consistently deflected questions about his future, stating that discussions will only take place after the season concludes. Lopetegui's potential appointment signals a desire for change at West Ham, with the Spanish coach keen to return to the Premier League after his stint at Wolves.
During his time at Wolves, Lopetegui managed to guide the team to safety despite joining when they were at the bottom of the table. He also achieved success with Sevilla, winning the Europa League in 2020. However, his tenure at Wolves was marred by frustrations over the club's financial situation, leading to his resignation.
On the other hand, Moyes has been credited with overseeing significant progress at West Ham, including securing European qualification for three consecutive seasons and ending their long wait for a trophy with a victory in the Europa Conference League final last June. Nonetheless, some fans have criticized Moyes for what they perceive as negative tactics, prompting the club to consider a change in management.
