Sources close to Football Insider reveal that Julen Lopetegui, former Wolves manager, is eyeing the top spot at West Ham United, snubbing Crystal Palace in the process.
It’s understood that the seasoned Spanish manager is eager to make a return to the Premier League, aiming for a managerial role at a top-tier English club, preferably within the top 10.
Insider information suggests that Lopetegui is particularly “keen” on the prospect of leading the charge at the London Stadium, especially amidst mounting pressure on current manager David Moyes.
Having turned down an opportunity to replace Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace, Lopetegui remains open to a managerial comeback, provided the Hammers extend an offer.
Could Lopetegui be the one to replace Moyes at West Ham United?
The 57-year-old departed from Wolves just before the start of the ongoing campaign, with Gary O’Neil taking the reins. O’Neil’s recent 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur catapulted Wolves to the 11th spot in the Premier League standings.
As revealed by Football Insider on February 18th, West Ham has been strategizing backup plans should Moyes face the sack, with a shortlist of potential candidates already in place.
Moyes, who has struggled to secure a single win across all competitions this year, faces intensified scrutiny amid the Hammers’ recent poor form. The pressure escalated further following their 2-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest on February 17th, with a vocal segment of the fanbase clamoring for Moyes’ immediate dismissal.
Lopetegui, with prior managerial stints at Porto, Real Madrid, and Sevilla before his time at Wolves, reportedly also features on AC Milan’s radar as a potential replacement for Stefano Pioli.
Despite the setback against Forest, West Ham currently holds the eighth position in the Premier League standings. They are scheduled to face Brentford at home on February 26th.
