There are only two things left to do before Julen Lopetegui is named the new West Ham boss says Fabrizio Romano.
Despite both the club and David Moyes insisting the Scot’s future would be decided at the end of the season, Julen Lopetegui looks set to be West Ham’s new manager.
It seems to be the worst kept secret in football this week that David Sullivan has chosen Lopetegui as the next Hammers boss.
Reports abound today, in the wake of West Ham’s dismal 5-0 drubbing at Chelsea, that the Spaniard has agreed to become Moyes’ successor.
Earlier this week we brought you an exclusive with journalist Graeme Bailey stating Sullivan had chosen Lopetegui having been ‘won over’ by him during talks.
After Sullivan, Lopetegui must win over fans
Now the former Wolves boss will have to win over West Ham’s fans, many of whom are underwhelmed by his impending appointment.
Because there are only two things left to do before Lopetegui is named West Ham boss says Fabrizio Romano.
There have been widespread reports that Lopetegui will take over as only the 18th permanent manager in West Ham’s 129-year history.
That’s despite various fan polls showing many West Ham supporters would rather keep Moyes than hire the ex Spain boss.
Or that some have started and signed a petition against the move.
Two things to do before Lopetegui named boss says Romano
Perhaps seeing an opportunity of ideal timing, West Ham seem to have leaked that Lopetegui has got the job.
And ITK reporter says only the formalities remain until Lopetegui signs on the dotted line.
“Julen Lopetegui has agreed terms with West Ham to become new head coach replacing David Moyes from next season,” Romano said on X.
“Lopetegui has accepted West Ham’s proposal, ready to proceed to formal stages.
“Details being finalised then contracts will be signed but agreement in place.”
Misgivings over replacing Moyes with 57-year-old Lopetegui are understandable.
A top Wolves expert recently said West Ham fans are right to have reservations.
Lopetegui’s track record is chequered to say the least.
He does have pedigree, winning the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020. And he twice won the European Championship as manager first of Spain’s Under 19s then the Under 21s.
But he was sacked by Spain after having secret talks over joining Real Madrid on the eve of a World Cup.
West Ham’s new boss was then sacked by Real after just two months in the job.
Lopetegui’s chequered record
He was with Sevilla for three years with a 53% win ratio and plus 84 goal difference. While he won that Europa League during Covid, he was knocked out by Moyes’ West Ham and would go on to be sacked by Sevilla.
He saved Wolves from relegation winning 10 of his 27 games and losing 11.
But he walked out on the club over transfers and has been out of work ever since.
When Lopetegui arrives at West Ham he faces not only a major rebuild, but instant pressure.
All eyes will be on not only results by the style of football given West Ham fans wanted a more attack-minded progress approach post Moyes.
Time will tell if Lopetegui is that man.