West Ham United will unlikely land Julen Lopetegui, with AC Milan close to securing the services of the former Real Madrid manager.
According to a report by The Guardian, Julen Lopetegui is closing in on joining AC Milan and ending his managerial hiatus. The former Real Madrid manager was also a target for West Ham United. However, the Hammers now need to look elsewhere, with the 57-year-old heading for an adventure in Serie A.
Julen Lopetegui has endured a topsy-turvy ride in football management since entering the coaching sphere. A goalkeeper in his playing career, he turned out for La Liga bigwigs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, the Spanish shot-stopper’s best stints came with Logrones and Rayo Vallecano.
The 57-year-old entered the coaching sphere in 2003, becoming the assistant manager for Spain’s under-17 side. Since then, he has managed ten teams, including Spain’s age-group outfits and the national side. Lopetegui’s best spells have come with La Roja and Sevilla, although he experienced reasonable success with FC Porto.
The Spaniard has also endured forgettable coaching stints in the last few years, including with Real Madrid and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Now a free agent, the former Real Madrid manager is ready for his next coaching stint. And a move to AC Milan is on the cards, although he was also a target for West Ham.
West Ham United’s interest in Julen Lopetegui is understandable. Some reports also claimed that was close to moving to the London Stadium. Other outlets had suggested that the Hammers had submitted an offer to the Spanish tactician. However, West Ham will lose the race to secure Lopetegui’s services.
Lopetegui’s next destination will be AC Milan, with the report by The Guardian claiming the Serie A giants are close to securing his services. The decision might not be popular, with the club’s fans not happy with it. Nevertheless, the Rossoneri will likely land the former Real Madrid manager.
Lopetegui’s imminent move to Serie A club AC Milan means West Ham need to identify alternatives. The Hammers have several managers, including Gary O’Neil, on their wishlist amid uncertainties surrounding the future of David Moyes.
