‘Serious money’: talkSPORT man expects West Ham player exit under Lopetegui immediately

Tom Rennie has forecast a major departure at West Ham during the summer transfer window, following reports that Julen Lopetegui has agreed to become the new manager.

According to Fabrizio Romano [6 May], the former Wolves manager has reached terms with the Hammers to succeed David Moyes as manager ahead of the 2024/25 season, however no contracts have yet been signed.

The Scot has been under intense scrutiny this season, owing primarily to his defensive style of play and dismal results, and his time at the London Stadium appears to be coming to an end.

In response to the news, talkSPORT commentator Rennie tweeted on Monday (6 May): “What a momentous summer for Lopetegui. Areola, Kudus, Alvarez, Bowen, and Emerson are the only players who can play whatever he wants.

“Forget Paqueta; he is not staying. That equates to half a team being brought in. Sales must generate a significant amount of revenue. There are many players out.”

Julen Lopetegui set to replace David Moyes as West Ham United manager

While Moyes deserves a lot of credit for his accomplishments at the London Stadium, it seems like the proper time to split ways with the manager before things go ugly.

Some fans have already turned against the Europa Conference League winner, and it appears that he has also clashed with the club’s technical director, Tim Steidten.

His current squad has likewise been ineffective, particularly in defence, with Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerf, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Ben Johnson, and Aaron Cresswell all drawing criticism.

The news about Lopetegui has elicited a very divided reaction. Though some are enthusiastic about his impressive managing track record, others have taken drastic action by launching a petition against the hiring.

What a huge summer for Lopetegui. Areola, Kudus, Alvarez, Bowen & Emerson are the only players able to play what he'd want. Forget Paqueta, he's not staying. That's half a team to be brought in. There needs to be some serious money brought in from sales. Lots of players out.

— Tom Rennie (@thomasjrennie) May 6, 2024

Understandably, Hammers fans are concerned about who will replace Moyes as manager. The last time this happened, Manuel Pellegrini was fired after only 18 months in the post, and the Scot returned to rescue the day.

Fans quickly realized that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, yet the majority of London Stadium supporters think that someone needs to take over for Moyes.

That someone appears to be Lopetegui.