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08th Jan 2025

Julen Lopetegui sacked by West Ham after six months

Zoe Hodges

He took over from David Moyes in the summer

West Ham have parted ways with Julen Lopetegui after just six months in charge of the Hammers.

Lopetegui was appointed in May taking over from David Moyes in the summer after his contract expired but officially took charge of the London side on July 1.

However, despite overseeing a summer transfer spend in excess of £130m, Lopetegui won just six of his 20 Premier League matches in charge and the Hammers are currently 14th in the table.

Graham Potter is poised to replace the 58-year-old after West Ham held further positive talks with the former Chelsea and Brighton boss on Tuesday.

Potter is also wanted by Everton who are looking into parting ways with their manager Sean Dyche.

Lopetegui was close to being sacked last month but the board were split on his future.

He won against Wolves, 2-1, in his next game but suffered heavy defeats against Liverpool and Manchester City which prompted his dismissal.

In a statement West Ham said: “West Ham United can confirm that head coach Julen Lopetegui has today left the club.

“The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the club’s ambitions and the club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.

“The club can confirm that assistant head coach Pablo Sanz, head of performance Oscar Caro, head analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, fitness coach Borja De Alba and technical coach Edu Rubio have also left with immediate effect.

“The board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.

“The process of appointing a replacement is underway. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”

More to follow.