West Ham United’s hopes of appointing Julen Lopetegui as their new manager have been dashed, with Italian media reporting the Spaniard has chosen AC Milan as his next destination.
Lopetegui has emerged as the favourite to replace Stefano Pioli at AC Milan next season, according to widespread reports in Italy. Despite some opposition from Milan fans, reports suggest the Rossoneri are close to finalizing a deal with the 57-year-old.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims Lopetegui has personally informed West Ham of his decision to join Milan. This news comes as a blow to the Hammers, who were reportedly keen on appointing the former Real Madrid and Spain manager.
Reports suggest Milan has tabled a three-year contract worth €4 million per season to entice Lopetegui. The financial package, coupled with the allure of managing a Serie A giant, appears to have swayed Lopetegui’s decision.
With Lopetegui rejecting their advances, West Ham must now turn their attention to other managerial targets. The club’s hierarchy are still under pressure to find a suitable replacement for David Moyes, although Paulo Fonseca is more and more looking to take over.
While Italian media outlets seem confident about Lopetegui’s move to Milan, an official announcement from either club or the manager himself is still awaited to confirm the appointment.
Why can’t we do our recruitment in a professional manner like many of the top teams? It’s always a circus at West Ham. Fonseca is likely to lead his team out in CL next season so doubt he’ll want to come to us without any European football. Probably use our talks to negotiate a better contract at Lille. The owners will end up keeping Moyes and say they couldn’t find anyone better.
I really don’t think Lopetegui would be better. Let’s wait and see.