West Ham reach agreement to appoint Julen Lopetegui as next manager

David Moyes’s contract with Hammers runs out at the end of the season

A deal in principle has been reached between West Ham and Julen Lopetegui for Lopetegui to succeed David Moyes as manager.

Since departing Wolves three days prior to the 2023–24 season, Lopetegui has remained unemployed; nonetheless, he has persisted in residing in England in an attempt to rejoin the Premier League managerial ranks.

After Moyes’ anticipated exit at the end of the current campaign, the 57-year-old, who has also coached Porto, Spain, Real Madrid, and Sevilla throughout an impressive managerial career, appears destined to take over at the London Stadium.

With West Ham having only won one of their last nine Premier League games, Moyes is out of contact in the summer and has come under growing scrutiny regarding his future after Sunday’s 5-0 thrashing at Stamford Bridge by Chelsea.

When asked if he was frustrated by the club’s relationships with other managers after the game, Moyes replied, “I’ll speak with the board at the conclusion of the season.” Then, we will do it.

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He added: “I’m the manager, I take ownership, but some of the players have to do that too. I feel bad for the fans, I don’t normally have teams who come and get beaten like this.

“But we’re lacking some of the ingredients – mental toughness, leadership to not get hammered like we have been several times. I can only say I’m really sorry for the way the game went.”

Lopetegui explained why he feels he has unfinished business in the Premier League and revealed he has met the PFA, LMA and PGMOL during his time off in a bid to prepare himself for a return to England’s top division.

“It’s why I’ve said no to different countries and different situations because I would like to stay here in England. I feel like our team here is just starting and we want to achieve our dreams.” Lopetegui said at the time.

“The way the country lives football here is special – it’s the best league in the world, the most competitive league in the world, the best environment for the players, coaches and fans too.”

This season, West Ham, which is ranked ninth in the Premier League, advanced to the quarterfinals of the Europa League.

When the team defeated Fiorentina to win the Europa Conference League the previous season, Moyes led the team to their maiden European trophy since 1965.

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