Something occurred to me upon hearing the news that Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran will push for a move to West Ham to work with Julen Lopetegui.
The Colombian forward seems to be just the latest in a growing line of players who have succumbed to the allure of the new Hammers head coach.
Recent defensive signing Max Kilman hinted that he had spoken to Lopetegui about his project at West Ham and the defender’s potential role within it before joining. While this conversation could be excused due to their previous work together at Wolverhampton Wanderers, other anecdotes suggest that the Hammers’ Spanish head coach has been a very busy boy.
At the West Ham training ground, stories abound of players having private conversations with J-Lo and all seem bowled over by the new gaffer. It should also be noted that the Spaniard is clearly not averse to initiating communication before players officially join the Hammers either.
Luis Guilherme expressed his delight and admiration when recounting how Lopetegui visited him in his hotel to facilitate the transfer to The London Stadium. Wes Foderingham also mentioned speaking to the Irons boss before deciding to join West Ham.
This charming man! Lopetegui is a great communicator
Just yesterday, Bayer Leverkusen’s Aleix Garcia revealed that Lopetegui had called him multiple times in an attempt to bring the midfielder to East London. On that occasion, J-Lo’s charm was trumped by the Bundesliga side’s involvement in the Champions League.
However, the Spaniards charms are often more successful than not, which is why I wasn’t surprised to learn that Villa striker Duran had fallen under his spell. For the record, I’m not suggesting Lopetegui has been speaking to a player currently registered with another club, as that would be considered tapping up and very naughty.
That said, if Lopetegui has donned his finest aftershave and gone into full schmooze mode, it could well make the difference between securing the player and missing out.
I am very optimistic and exited for next year. All of a sudden there is new hope without the hard to love Moyes. The horse trading between clubs takes time and we never get to know all of the facts. With Tim we have an ace up our sleeve.
Not being in Europe and because we need so many new players the money has to stretch further and with ffp we can’t be gun ho
As charming as he may be J Lo can only talk of his plans, next summer hopefully he can show how things have progressed (fingers crossed).which will help immensely. Like many I want overly enamoured by J Los appointment but def more positive now
Well to those who are expecting miracles I would say the fact we are not in the champions league means we can’t compete with teams who are when it comes to transfers. The fact we are not in Europe at all makes it even more difficult.
God it’s the same thing …every day I get in from work abd every day it’s just the same thing… talking rumors and talking rumors….i don’t even. Think we have even made a bid ……your all talking about prices. Be hiked up …so why isn’t this happening to Chelsea..spurs .villa and any number of other clubs …I see deals going through on sky sports with all these clubs …30 mil here 45 mil there…I don’t see them having trouble getting there targets…what does that say about us ….low ball offers as usual wich then alienates clubs against us ….sorry but we are our own worst enemy….THE BEST ONE YET IS SELLING FLYN TO SOTON AND NOT INVOLVING KWP… ….now they have us by the ********….that is just plain dumb ..and sums us up perfectly..
.ridiculous
Let’s hope he does sign Duran I think he would be a great signing. I wanted Moyes to get him in January. As for Summerville we should stay clear. I have just spoken to 3 Leeds lads on site who tell me he has a bad attitude don’t track fullbacks and can’t cross a ball.He only cuts inside no left foot
That’s interesting Stevo . . . I still have a feeling we’ll have a late bid for Zaha 😬
At last! We’ve got Tim and Julen smooching and dealing instead of Sullivan’s under the table stuff.
Yes indeed Pete, I’m more confident now.
I like the article , made me think he’s the right man for the job . A motivator , driven to succeed . What’s not to like ! We do need more signings though so let’s get a wriggle on . COYI
Thanks Mark, appreciate that mate.
I’d love to interview the bloke actually, I really like what I’ve seen so far.
This article has given me a real optimistic outlook for the new season, just itching for the start.