Julen Lopetegui is reportedly ready to hand a lifeline to Danny Ings, who turned down the opportunity to leave West Ham United and rejoin Southampton this summer.
According to a report by Give Me Sport, Danny Ings is ready to fight for his place in the first-team squad at West Ham United in the 2024/25 season. The Hammers were ready to sell the English striker in the summer transfer window, but he rejected a move to Southampton. However, Julen Lopetegui is open to handing him a lifeline this term.
Danny Ings and his West Ham United woes
Danny Ings has struggled to stamp his authority since joining West Ham United from Aston Villa in January 2023. The Englishman was one of the best strikers in the Premier League during his spell with Southampton but has been unable to make his mark since leaving the Saints.
The 32-year-old has turned out over 50 times thus far for West Ham United while managing a paltry tally of four goals and two assists. So, it is hardly surprising that the Hammers were ready to cash in on Ings in the summer transfer window, with Southampton attempting to re-sign him.
However, despite West Ham United’s efforts, the former England international was not interested in returning to Southampton in the summer transfer window. Reports have also linked Ings with other Premier League clubs this year. However, he remains with West Ham United after the summer transfer window.
What next?
The issue for Danny Ings is that he is third in the pecking order for strikers after Niclas Fullkrug joined West Ham United from Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window. With Michail Antonio also ahead of the English striker, game time will come at a premium in the 2024/25 season.
However, Ings, who pockets £125,000-a-week wages at West Ham, is ready to fight for his place in the first-team squad, at least in the first half of the 2024/25 season. In addition, Julen Lopetegui is open to handing a lifeline to the struggling Englishman in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his contract with West Ham United. So, the January transfer window will be the last opportunity for the East London club to cash in on the former England international.
