Julen Lopetegui could emerge as the top contender to replace David Moyes if the Scottish boss leaves the London Stadium.
Football Insider reckons Julen Lopetegui could emerge as the top contender for the West Ham job if David Moyes departs. The former Real Madrid manager has been without a job since leaving Wolves at the start of the season, as the Hammers could start pondering changes in the dugout.
There are sections of West Ham fans who are in a disgruntled mood with David Moyes and his style of football at the London Stadium. The Scotsman has proved himself as a solid manager in the dugout for the Hammers, guiding them to a European trophy last season.
He has managed to steer the club in the right direction during his time here and made them a steady mid-table side. There were instances when the Hammers came close to top-four finishes. Still, Moyes has regularly kept them in Europe, which in itself is a significant achievement considering the consistency of their appearances in continental football.
Yet, there are talks about a departure at the end of the season when his current deal expires. West Ham might ponder a change of scenario and could target Julen Lopetegui as their top contender. The former Real Madrid manager has been without a job since leaving Wolves on the eve of the current season.
Lopetegui had a fantastic time at Molineux as he guided the Wolves to a 13th-placed finish. It’s an achievement, considering they were rock bottom and relegation favourites when he took over, which shows the kind of work put into the club.
Tensions emerged after the club decided to sell some notable stars. The exits of Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes and Nathan Collins field his departure. Currently, Lopetegui continues to stay in Wolverhampton, waiting on another opportunity.
He would like to continue in the Premier League, with some reports linking Lopetegui to the Manchester United job. He even rejected the chance to take over at Nottingham Forest, as Nuno Espirito Santo has since taken over at the City Ground.
Santo and Lopetegui share the same agent, Jorge Mendes, and he would look to get a big job at the London Stadium in the coming period. Moyes leaving would come as a blow for the Hammers. However, if they are replacing him with the former Real Madrid manager, then they might look to make a decent appointment.