7West Ham could be in line for a £7m boost if Julen Lopetegui takes over as Manchester United manager.
As preposterous as it sounds, the former Hammers boss is reportedly in contention to replace ex-West Ham target Rúben Amorim in a game of football’s version of musical chairs.
Honestly, you couldn’t make this stuff up—which probably means someone has. But with multiple outlets reporting Lopetegui’s link to Man United as fact, we’ll roll with it.
When David Sullivan and Karren Brady decided to part ways with the Spaniard, Lopetegui still had 18 months remaining on his West Ham contract.
Contrary to popular belief, there was no big pay-off. Instead, the club continues to pay him and his staff monthly, with around £7m still owed until he secures another job.
If his new salary is lower than his West Ham wage, the club would be responsible for covering the shortfall. However, given Manchester United’s financial power, it’s highly likely they would at least match his Hammers salary.
So, if Lopetegui lands the Old Trafford job and takes his backroom team with him, West Ham’s payroll could shrink by £7m overnight.
That said, it’s hard to understand why Manchester United would want Lopetegui, given his underwhelming spell at West Ham and his disastrous stint at Real Madrid.
No doubt West Ham will be keeping their fingers crossed, though.
Unless Sullivan is taking over from Jim Radcliffe. Nobody could be as stupid as Sullivan………… could they ?
Back on planet Earth, anyone know if we signed Daniel Cummins from Celtic on a pre-contract, or if we lost out again?
Surely this can’t be true. The Man U hierarchy cant be THAT stupid
Few weeks till the 1st of April Gonzo
It’d be worth £7m just to see the Utd fan’s faces if Loopy took over the job there.