A journalist’s seriously exciting claim about Julen Lopetegui’s transfer plan sales pitch will now benefit West Ham.
Much has been said about Julen Lopetegui in West Ham circles over the last two weeks.
Ever since it became clear the out of work Spaniard is the man West Ham have chosen to replace David Moyes, suddenly everyone has become an expert on him.
Whether that is protest petitions and dismissing his tactical approach and philosophy.
Or defending his record and pointing to his CV as proof he can be the man to take the Hammers’ game to a new level.
One thing you can say about Lopetegui, though, after he agreed to succeed Moyes in the wake of the 5-0 defeat to Chelsea and knowing the huge squad rebuild required at West Ham this summer.
Lopetegui is West Ham’s man with a transfer plan
He’s either desperate or supremely confident in his own ability.
According to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, it’s the latter.
We told you days ago David Sullivan decided on Lopetegui after being ‘won over’ in talks.
Well does something reported back in February explain why?
A journalist’s seriously exciting claim about Lopetegui’s transfer plan sales pitch will now benefit West Ham.
Lopetegui has managed Spain’s Under 19s, Under 21s and the senior side.
He has also managed two of the country’s top clubs in Real Madrid and Sevilla.
Lopetegui’s transfer plan sales pitch will now benefit West Ham
When Lopetegui was first being linked as a serious West Ham candidate, Alan Nixon claimed he has a list of four top Spain-based stars he wants signed at his next club.
And The Sun reporter even stated Lopetegui would not take his next post until he knows the money is there to sign those players.
“Julen Lopetegui has a four-man list of Spanish-based players he wants to sign when he gets a Premier League job,” Nixon said, as we reported at the time.
“The former Wolves chief is chasing a return but has been drawing up targets for a spree when he gets the call.
“Lopetegui left Wolves when he found out he would not be backed in the market and won’t take the next post offered until he knows there is cash for his wanted men.”
Now that claim takes on new relevance for West Ham.
La Liga an untapped market for Hammers
And it may just explain why not only Sullivan was impressed but technical director Tim Steidten too.
While Moyes famously dithers over transfers, Lopetegui has a clear idea who he wants.
With the Hammers requiring at least 10 signings this summer that is vital.
Steidten is of course in charge of recruitment.
But he will have seen Lopetegui’s four-man list during the interview process.
Given he has got the job, he must have liked what he saw on that list.
Lopetegui’s extensive knowledge of players from across Spain gives West Ham new perspective on a market the club has never really truly tapped into – Pablo Fornals aside.
The four players on the 57-year-old’s target list aren’t necessarily Spanish, just “Spain-based”.
Now it will be interesting to see whether Sullivan and co back their new man by getting them in.