Julen Lopetegui’s first four big West Ham calls have been confirmed by an inside man for the Hammers board.
David Moyes will take charge of West Ham for the 262nd and last time when they head to Man City today.
While Moyes’ first spell took in 31 matches, his second has reached 231.
He has done a tremendous job at West Ham and will hand over to Julen Lopetegui after playing his part in deciding where the Premier League title goes.
Although Moyes has helped transform the Hammers over the last four-and-a-half years, he is leaving Lopetegui in a bit of a messy situation.
Moyes always stated how he preferred to work with a small squad to avoid dealing with unhappy players.
Lopetegui’s squad goals
Lopetegui does not share that preference so he and technical director Tim Steidten have a big job on their hands rebuilding the Premier League’s smallest squad.
The West Ham squad comprises just 22 of the 25 allotted senior players.
The futures of six of the current crop were very uncertain given their contracts are up this summer.
That would leave just 16 first team players, requiring West Ham to make around nine signings.
There has been speculation that three or four of the six could be offered new deals to keep some experience in the squad and limit how many signings Lopetegui and Steidten need to make.
But Lopetegui’s first four big West Ham calls have been confirmed by the board’s inside man.
Lopetegui’s first four big calls confirmed
And it is definitely goodbye to Angelo Ogbonna, Aaron Cresswell and academy graduates Ben Johnson and Divin Mubama.
Lopetegui’s first job behind the scenes was to decide whether he wanted to keep any of that quartet.
But Sean Whetstone says today will be farewell to all four as he claims they will definitely be leaving West Ham.
“Last time in a West Ham shirt for Aaron Cresswell, Ben Johnson, Angelo Ogbonna and Divin Mubama,” said Whetstone, who counts Karren Brady and David Sullivan as close contacts.
“All four made the match day squad last weekend against Luton Town with Oggy in the starting line-up and the other three on the bench but all have contracts which expire at the end of June and almost no chance of late extensions.
“Good luck for the future.”
Had Ogbonna or Cresswell been offered extensions to their liking they would have undoubtedly signed up given their advancing ages.
There had been talk the new boss might want their experience around the dressing room.
Johnson is expected to join Crystal Palace on a free transfer. But had Lopetegui made it clear to Johnson and his agent that he was in his plans and would get more game time then it may have changed the situation.
Young striker Mubama has failed to kick on since being elevated to the West Ham first team.
Many have blamed Moyes for that. But when Mubama has been given a couple of chances he has not set the world alight.
Both he and Johnson refused new deals and it seems Lopetegui had no great interest in pushing to change their minds or telling the owners to give them what they want in an effort to keep them at the club.
Whetstone makes no mention of third-choice goalkeeper Joseph Anang, another academy graduate, who is also believed to be out of contract this summer.
Decision will force owners to invest
Whether that means Anang may remain or Lopetegui will look to bring in a more experienced third-choice ‘keeper remains to be seen.
It is worth noting that Ghana-born Anang has become Mohammed Kudus’ best friend at the club.
The sixth player out of his West Ham contract is Kalvin Phillips, who will thankfully be returning to Man City.
These departures are actually very good news for West Ham.
While there has been some debate Johnson should be retained, the Hammers must be looking to upgrade on all four with better – and in the case of Ogbonna and Cresswell – younger players.
Had they been offered new deals then it would have suggested the club had no intention of going out and doing that this summer.
Now the Hammers hierarchy have no choice. And that can only be a good thing.
