Chiefs at West Ham United believe that manager David Moyes will be replaced with a “incredible” player this summer, with Julen Lopetegui being the most likely candidate.
Lopetegui consents to take Moyes’ place at West Ham.
Reliable transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed several reports that Lopetegui has already signed terms to take over as West Ham manager when Moyes’ contract expires on June 30.
In addition, West Ham declared yesterday that Moyes will not be leading the team the following season, ending any uncertainty about his future and enabling fans to offer him a fitting farewell following a few unforgettable seasons.
Under his leadership, Moyes has turned the Irons from a team in danger of relegation to one that is competitive in Europe. Last year, West Ham also won the Europa Conference League, ending nearly 40 years without a major trophy.
But questions have been raised over the 60-year-old’s appropriateness going ahead after a sizable portion of the fan base expressed disgust for West Ham’s play philosophy under Moyes this season.
Their fragility at the back is evident. Only Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United – the Premier League’s bottom three sides – have conceded more goals than West Ham this season. They only need to concede one more league goal to surpass the 70 they leaked under Avram Grant in 2010/2011, a season which saw them finish 20th and relegated.
The departure of Moyes may bring mixed feelings, and his last game will undoubtedly be an emotional occasion, taking into account the overwhelming positives of his overall tenure. West Ham will soon be in the midst of what will be a crucial first summer without Moyes, as many new signings could be needed in key areas, with players ageing, out of contract and Lopetegui set for a few key decisions.
Star midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who West Ham signed for a club-record £51 million in 2022, is one of the big names linked with a high-profile departure.
Paqueta is expected to depart with Moyes this summer, according to West Ham.
The Hammers are expecting to lose their key Brazilian player despite Man City’s ongoing interest, according to GiveMeSport.
In fact, it’s thought by West Ham officials that Paqueta will be leaving Moyes this summer, continuing to be liked by Pep Guardiola’s team despite their rejection of a move for him last year.
The former Lyon star’s contract includes a seismic release clause, so his sale could boost Lopetegui’s funds in a bid to freshen the squad, but his quality would undoubtedly be a major loss.
“He’s incredible, honestly, he’s absolutely incredible,” Declan Rice said on Paqueta in 2023.
“It’s obviously taken him a while to settle into the Premier League and into the training ground, moving his family over. I think now you’re seeing the real Lucas. Some of the stuff he does, even in training, it’s just mind-boggling how good he is.”
