West Ham fans go into the 2024/25 with a huge amount of excitement, and they have every right to feel hopeful. With a new manager in charge and a host of summer signings, there is a lot to be optimistic about the season ahead.
Here are three reasons this can be one of West Ham’s best seasons for many years.
Lopetegui Is a Winner
New West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has been in charge of some of the biggest clubs and countries in the world. The former Real Madrid, Sevilla and Spain manager arrives with a big reputation. He has been hired to take the West London club to the next level. Although his side are 175/1 outsiders in the Premier League winner odds, the Hammers can push for a European place this season.
With Lopetegui at the helm, West Ham will likely be one of the leading Premier League tips this season throughout the campaign. The Spaniard knows the league well as he was in the dugout at Wolves between November 2022 and August 2023.
The biggest achievement on Lopetegui’s CV so far is his Europa League triumph with Sevilla in 2020. He has signed a two-year deal with the Hammers, but he has the option of a third year. Hopefully, this is the start of a successful period at the club under Lopetegui’s leadership.
Over £100 Million Spent on the Playing Squad
West Ham Head coach Julen Lopetegui has spoken to Spanish newspaper Marca.
“We had a small squad, and the idea is to have two players per position. We haven’t achieved that yet… but we are working on it,”
“All the signings are to our liking and that of the sporting… pic.twitter.com/8AztiLCMOP
— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) August 15, 2024
This summer has been West Ham’s biggest spending spree for some time. The club has already spent well over £100 million on the playing squad. The additional players will give Lopetegui some extra options to choose from as the season progresses.
One of the most notable transfers the Hammers have made is the signing of German international Niclas Fullkrug. The 31-year-old scored some important goals for his country at Euro 2024 where he showed how dangerous he can be in front of goal. Several clubs were linked with the Borussia Dortmund striker, but it was West Ham who secured his signature.
Max Kilman is another player who should make an immediate mark for the Hammers. Lopetegui worked with the centre back at Wolves. West Ham spent £40 million to land the defender. He is likely to be joined in the starting XI by right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka who arrives from Manchester United for £15 million.
No European Football
⚒️ WEST HAM ARE MASSIVE! ⚒️
Jarrod Bowen scores in the 90th minute as David Moyes' side beat Fiorentina to win the UEFA Europa Conference League, their first major trophy since 1980!#UECLfinal pic.twitter.com/3aZwHn1TKO
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 7, 2023
Although many West Ham fans will be disappointed that this will be the first season in four years without European football, it does allow the Hammers to concentrate on their domestic competitions. Regular fixtures on a Thursday evening have stretched the squad over the last few seasons.
It has been 44 years now since West Ham last won one of the two major domestic cup competitions. Lopetegui will be bidding to end that wait in his first season at the club. The Hammers have been drawn at home to Bournemouth in the second round of the EFL Cup, while their FA Cup campaign will begin in the third round in January.
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