Former Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui has an offer from West Ham United, with AC Milan also interested in the 57-year-old.
According to a report by Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Julen Lopetegui is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers are scouring the market for a manager amid uncertainties surrounding the future of David Moyes. Meanwhile, the 57-year-old former Real Madrid boss is also a target for AC Milan.
Julen Lopetegui has endured a topsy-turvy ride during his managerial career thus far. A goalkeeper during his playing days, he represented Real Madrid and Barcelona without establishing a foothold in either club’s first-team squad. His best phases came with CD Logrones and Rayo Vallecano.
The Spaniard entered the managerial world in 2003 but rose in prominence over a decade later during his spell with FC Porto. Before that stint, he managed Spain’s various youth sides, Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid Castilla. Meanwhile, Lopetegui’s stock rose further during his time with the Spanish national side between 2016 and 2018.
Lopetegui’s stint with Spain ended in controversy as he had already agreed to a contract with Real Madrid. However, that was all for nothing, as Los Blancos parted ways with him after a few months. Since then, the Spanish tactician has enjoyed a solid stint with Sevilla and a short spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Now a free agent, he is a target for West Ham United and AC Milan.
West Ham United’s interest in Julen Lopetegui is understandable. David Moyes faces an uncertain future at the East London outfit, with the club looking for replacements. Several candidates have thus emerged on West Ham’s radar, with Lopetegui also being a viable target.
As for AC Milan, Stefano Pioli’s long-term future at San Siro is uncertain after failing to win a trophy this season. So, the Serie A giants have identified Lopetegui and Fonseca as their targets to replace the long-serving Italian.
However, recent reports have claimed that the former Real Madrid manager is closing in on joining West Ham United. It will be interesting to see if AC Milan can beat the Hammers to the signature of the 57-year-old in the coming weeks.
