Julen Lopetegui agrees West Ham deal as David Moyes' second spell in charge of Hammers to end

Julen Lopetegui has agreed a deal to become West Ham’s next manager. That will confirm David Moyes ’ departure as Hammers boss when his current contract expires at the end of the season.

Former Wolves boss Lopetegui, whose CV also includes spells in charge of Real Madrid, Sevilla and the Spain national team, has held extensive negotiations with the West Ham hierarchy and is ready to put pen to paper on a deal.

Lopetegui left Wolves on the eve of this season but remained living in England as he wanted to manage again in the Premier League. The 57-year-old Spaniard quit Wolves over concerns about their lack of spending power but had done an excellent job in guiding them to safety.

Lopetegui’s track record in coaching, developing players and also attractive style of play appealed to West Ham who also spoke to Sporting Lisbon Ruben Amirom as they lined up successors for Moyes.

But Lopetegui emerged as the leading candidate after a turbulent season at West Ham which will see Moyes leave at the end of his second spell in charge.

Moyes led West Ham to their first European trophy since 1965 when they beat Fiorentina to lift the Europa Conference League last season. West Ham fans loved the European success but got fed-up with what they saw as a cautious style of play and that has ultimately led to Moyes’ departure.

Moyes saw his side lose 5-0 to Chelsea on Sunday
(Image: PA)

Moyes has had two spells in charge at the London Stadium, leading them to safety in his first period in charge and then winning silverware in his next.

It looked as if Moyes would get a new contract after a big pick up in results after Christmas and there were talks about him staying on. But West Ham’s exit from Europe and some big defeats - highlighted by Sunday’s 5-0 thrashing at Chelsea - have confirmed his departure.

Moyes was frustrated after struggling to replace Declan Rice after his £105m departure to Arsenal while he wanted more say on transfer targets.

Lopetegui will be expected to work more closely with technical director Tim Steidten in a more European model which is another factor why West Ham went for the Spaniard.

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