Tim Steidten’s three priority transfers to start Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham reign have been revealed by a board insider.
When David Moyes is sitting by a pool on holiday this summer he may feel a sense of relief washing over him.
West Ham announced they are moving on from the Scot last week.
Julen Lopetegui will replace him with official confirmation being held until after the season finale at Man City this weekend.
The reason Moyes may feel a weight lifting is because he knows what a huge job he would have had on his hands at West Ham this summer.
The Scot made no secret of the fact he preferred to have a small squad.
So that is what Lopetegui will inherit. And then some.
Steidten and Lopetegui face major rebuild
West Ham currently have just 22 senior players from a possible 25 registered with the Premier League.
That number will shrink to 16 when West Ham’s six out of contract players leave this summer.
Bar maybe Ben Johnson there is no real argument that the Hammers should be trying to keep any of those players.
And that’s before factoring in speculation linking several other stars such as Lucas Paqueta and Nayef Aguerd with departures.
So technical director Tim Steidten – taking complete control of transfers for the first time – and Lopetegui must work together to bring in at least 10 players.
It has been widely reported that the duo have already started working on targets.
But where to begin?
Steidten’s three priority transfers for Lopetegui revealed
There is a case to say every single area of the pitch needs at least one, some two, new players.
All except perhaps right midfield/forward.
West Ham have so many areas that need strengthening but some are higher priorities than others.
That’s according to board insider Sean Whetstone, who counts majority owner David Sullivan as a close contact.
Steidten’s three priority transfers to start Lopetegui’s West Ham reign have been revealed.
According to Whetstone, Steidten is focusing on signing a new striker and TWO new centre-backs as his key priorities.
There have been reports Lopetegui would be open to keeping Aguerd.
Aguerd still wants out claims insider
But Whetstone also claims the Moroccan remains determined to leave and could be joined out of the door by Danny Ings and Kurt Zouma.
“West Ham technical director Tim Steidten will prioritise the signing of two centre backs and a striker this summer for Julen Lopetegui’s new-look Hammers squad,” Whetstone said.
“Nayef Aguerd is reportedly still determined to leave the Hammers despite a change of manager, 35-year-old Angelo Ogbonna is nearing the of his career and unlikely to be offered a contract extension while there remains concerns of Kurt Zouma’s long term fitness.
“A new striker would be welcomed to avoid relying on 34-old-year Michail Antonio and (will) most likely replace 31-year-old Danny Ings who has struggled for form since joining from Aston Villa.”
Hammers News exclusively revealed last week the name of the striker on a list of four top La Liga stars Lopetegui wants West Ham to sign for him.
West Ham should have plenty to spend too with the club expected to announce record £368m turnover.
Of course the Hammers do have a number of quality players already in the building that Lopetegui can build his side around.
And a journalist recently revealed there is one player Lopetegui is most looking forward to working with.