Julen Lopetegui has reportedly snubbed interest from Bayern Munich in favour of becoming West Ham manager. The Hammers are set to part ways with David Moyes at the end of the season after a string of underwhelming results.
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Moyes has come under immense pressure this season, with West Ham’s performances leaving plenty to be desired and emphatic defeats becoming all too regular. The Hammers were hammered by London rivals Chelsea over the weekend, with the team lacking motivation and enthusiasm.
West Ham football director Tim Steidten has been leading his side’s search for a new manager, with several options being explored by the manager, including Bayern Munich’s Thomas Tuchel among those linked.
Ex-Wolves boss Lopetegui has been long admired at the London Stadium as well, and talks with the Spaniard now appear to be accelerating. According to The Athletic, West Ham have now agreed on terms with the 57-year-old, though nothing has been signed at this stage.
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The Hammers are described as being ‘close’ to landing the former Sevilla manager, who has not been short of suitors since leaving Wolves ahead of this season. Several sides from the Premier League, La Liga and Saudi Pro League have all seen their pursuits turned down by Lopetegui.
Bayern Munich have also been snubbed by the ex-Spain manager after making a late hijack attempt on Monday, with Tuchel leaving the Bundesliga outfit at the end of the season. However, Lopetegui has his sights firmly set on joining West Ham.
The Hammers have explored several options before deeming Lopetegui as their chosen Moyes successor, including Sporting’s Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese boss was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool previously before flying to London to entertain talks with West Ham.
The conversations did not prove fruitful, and Amorim has now assured Sporting supporters that he will remain at their helm next season. Speaking over the weekend after guiding his side to the Liga Portugal title, he said: “There are still more things left [to achieve]. I have a contract and I'm Sporting's coach.
“Let's celebrate today. [I’m] excited, yes, because it wasn't the same [as the last title]. We had the Covid phase and it wasn't the same. I saw the Benfica game today. I had a good time, with my players, we were having dinner and everything went well. I stay, I have a contract with Sporting. It's special, the first one was strange, without crowds and without European competitions. This time we did it, now we can try the third.”
