1 week ago
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Julen Lopetegui has agreed to become West Ham’s next boss as the Hammers confirmed David Moyes will leave the club.
Mail Sport revealed last week that the Spaniard was in advanced talks to replace Moyes, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
And Lopetegui has now agreed to takeover at the east London side ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Work on the final details of the agreement were being ironed out on Monday but unless there is an unexpected collapse of the deal, Lopetegui will become new Hammers head coach.
It is believed Lopetegui is likely to assume the position of head coach not manager. Moyes is currently manager.
Julen Lopetegui has agreed a deal to replace David Moyes at West Ham next season
West Ham confirmed on Monday night that Moyes will leave at the end of the season
The struggling Hammers have now conceded 10 goals in back-to-back away games
Talks between Lopetegui and the Hammers accelerated towards the end of last week, the Spaniard racing ahead of Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim in the race for the London Stadium job.
Amorim revealed over the weekend that he has now decided to stay at Sporting, but regardless of the Portuguese’s choice to stay in Lisbon it is understood Lopetegui was alway the front-runner for the job.
Lopetegui’s role in improving Wolves and Sevilla has impressed Hammers chiefs, while Amorim’s £12.8million was also an obstacle.
West Ham announced Moyes’ departure on Monday night, ahead of the weekend clash against Luton, the team’s final home game of the season.
There is a sense at West Ham that the game should be used as an opportunity for supporters to bid farewell to Moyes, who delivered the club’s first trophy since 1980 last season when winning the Europa Conference League.
'On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, I would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to David for the contribution he has made to the Football Club during his time as manager,' said David Sullivan, West Ham joint chairman.
Lopetegui's history of improving teams - especially at Wolves - is said to be a key factor in West Ham's interest
Ruben Amorim was open to joining West Ham but talks hit a stumbling block over his release clause
'David has been responsible for a period of great progress and success in our history, and we are extremely grateful for all of his hard work, commitment and dedication to the role.
'David has been an absolute professional to work with and he will leave with our greatest respect and good wishes – he deserves to be held in the highest esteem for the service he has given to West Ham United, and we wish him every success in the future.
'By making this announcement now, it allows David to get the send-off he deserves from the West Ham supporters and for us all to show our appreciation to him at our final home fixture of the season against Luton Town on Saturday.'
