So, Julen Lopetegui taking over at West Ham United this summer could be back on the cards it seems.
Julen Lopetegui was being heavily linked with the West Ham manager’s job, but a recent claim suggested that Tim Steidten was pushing David Sullivan to go down a different route.
It was then claimed a couple of days ago that the 57-year-old was closing in on a move to replace Stefano Pioli as the new AC Milan manager.
David Moyes looks like he’s done as Hammers boss, although he did seem to hint yesterday that he may still be at the club next season.
I still firmly believe that the 61-year-old will be gone this summer, and then getting the replacement spot on will be key for Sullivan, Steidten and co.
Not many West Ham fans were thrilled about the links with Lopetegui, that’s for sure. So when the Milan rumours began to circulate, there were many happy faces in East london.
However, it appears as though a big twist could now be on the cards…
Big Julen Lopetegui twist as West Ham make very bold move
So it seems like the Spaniard’s proposed move to AC Milan may well not be as done and dusted as some people first thought.
West Ham appear to be determined not to give up on him without a fight.
According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (print edition April 27th, pages 2+3), the Hammers have made a ‘very rich offer’ to Lopetegui.
He has recorded a 59% win percentage from 397 career games (SofaScore) – a fairly impressive statistic.
For context, Moyes has a 43% career win rate from 1,111 games managed. More games, sure – but a big difference in win percentage.
Listen, I don’t mind Lopetegui as a manager, and I still think he’d be an upgrade on Moyes. However, I feel like he’d be somewhat of a sideways step.
The Spaniard is pragmatic to the core, and his footballing philosophy isn’t too dissimilar to Moyes’s.
If West Ham appoint Lopetegui this summer, I just feel like it will be a really big missed opportunity to kick on as a club.
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