West Ham United‘s new manager Julen Lopetegui is plotting an ambitious rebuild, targeting a significant squad overhaul this summer.
Lopetegui reportedly wants at least eight new faces, addressing the imbalance and aging issues left behind by David Moyes.
Lopetegui has already made a start, lowering the squad average age with departures like Angelo Ogbonna and the arrival of young-ish defender Max Kilman. The signing of Brazilian youngster Luis Guilherme further emphasises this focus on youth.
Expect upcoming signings to follow suit. Lopetegui seems keen on acquiring players in their early to mid-twenties with room for significant development.
In a recent interview, Lopetegui offered clues about his transfer strategy, hinting at a possible “Red Bull” approach. These words will sound eerily familiar to West Ham’s who have heard similar utterings before.
We’ve heard that somewhere before
This strategy, popularised by clubs with smaller budgets, involves acquiring undervalued players with high potential. These players are then developed and, ideally, sold on for a significant profit. Presumably this is why Tim Stiedten was recruited to the cause having been part of Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive transfer strategy.
Lopetegui’s words will certainly resonate with West Ham fans. Many have long advocated for the club to invest in young talent before their market value explodes.
Moyes never got his ‘Red Bull Model’ up and running
By focusing on young talent, West Ham can compete with bigger clubs. They can secure players with high ceilings before they become expensive stars, creating a sustainable cycle of development and potential financial gain.
However, caution is advised. David Moyes previously hinted at “The Red Bull Model” without following through. While Luis Guilherme’s signing suggests a shift, future acquisitions will be the real test of Lopetegui’s commitment to this “Red Bull” approach.
Yet we have signed foderingham 33, kilman 27 now we are looking at iheanacho 27. Once again it could be argued that reality is somewhat different to the stated desire for a red bull model.
you can take Iheanacio off that list. he’s not a purchase, he’s on a free and can’t command huge wages now
We need to be more proactive and get amongst it like Brighton and Ipswich. We have already lost out to other clubs for players we were linked with? Stop dithering and making low bids we want signings now! Jonathan David and yousef fofana are priorities at £25m and £17m fantastic value just get them in now !!!
It would also be good to use our own youth team and integrate far more of our young players than have been for the last few years. I have to say I don’t know how good our youngsters are but even the big clubs bring their youth through and it might be the case that put a reasonable player in with a team of good players and that players form will improve. We have to at least give them a chance and possibly make mistakes. Rather than wait until we are 3.0 up and bring someone on for 2 minutes. Not that we were often 3.0 up last season.
Can’t judge Jlo based on Moyes. The guy hasn’t picked a match squad yet.
This is all well and good, but at some point finding and nurturing this young talent must evolve to retaining them.
We shouldn’t expect it to happen overnight, but we really should aim to become a regular European team (it was looking promising the season before last), preferably Champions League.
It’ll take some doing, but we have the stadium, the backers, the team in place to scout the talent.
Really think it’s doable in 2 to 3 seasons (to get ourselves to the level to challenge).