West Ham announce Julen Lopetegui as new manager | OneFootball

West Ham United have confirmed the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as their new manager.

Following talks with Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim, Lopetegui emerged as the Hammers’ top target to replace David Moyes.

The 57-year-old has signed a two-year contract and will be in the dugout for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.

“I am where I want to be,” Lopetegui said (via West Ham’s official website).

“I am here because I want to be here, and it was a fantastic day when we closed our agreement here because our commitment is 100 percent to be here.

“We had other opportunities but I am very happy that West Ham chose me because I chose West Ham too, so we are really happy about this.”

Lopetegui guided Wolverhampton Wanderers to safety during the 2022/23 season but departed days before the new campaign started due to disagreements over transfers and funds.

He will be tasked with reviving West Ham’s fortunes after a disappointing end to this season.

The Hammers won only two of their last ten league games under Moyes to finish ninth in the Premier League table. They missed out on a fourth successive season in Europe.

West Ham’s 5-0 thumping by Chelsea was their sixth away defeat in which at least four or more goals were conceded.

Lopetegui will look to turn the club’s fortunes around and steer them towards another top-seven finish.