In what marks a significant turn of events for West Ham United, Julen Lopetegui has accepted the head coaching position, starting from the summer, following David Moyes’ mutually agreed departure from the London club. The decision comes after it was revealed that Bayern Munich had made a last-minute approach to secure the Spanish tactician, an offer Lopetegui declined in favour of a future in the English capital.
🚨 Bayern Munich enquired for Julen Lopetegui today but 57yo wants West Ham. Terms agreed (not signed) as @FabrizioRomano reported after process led by Steidten made Spaniard choice to succeed Moyes. #WHUFC now close to landing him @TheAthleticFC #FCBayern https://t.co/taPiXuYHWD
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 6, 2024
The Spaniard, who was last in charge at Wolverhampton Wanderers during the 2022/23 Premier League season, expressed his eagerness to start with the next chapter in his career. “The opportunity at West Ham aligns perfectly with my vision and ambitions. This is not a rejection of Bayern but a commitment to a project I am genuinely excited about” Lopetegui stated.
Despite the tempting proposition from Bayern Munich, sources close to Lopetegui share that the promise of long-term stability and control over team development at West Ham swayed his decision. This choice has been met with enthusiasm from the West Ham supporters, who have been vocal about their desire for a change in fortunes and a clear strategic direction under new leadership.
Julen Lopetegui, who led Sevilla to Europa League glory in 2020, is set to succeed David Moyes – the manager who secured West Ham’s sole trophy for the past 49 years by guiding them to victory in the 2023 Europa Conference League.