West Ham United have dismissed head coach Julen Lopetegui after just 22 games in charge, with speculation growing that former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is set to take over at the London Stadium.
The decision follows a string of underwhelming performances that have left the club struggling in the Premier League.
Currently sitting 14th in the league table, the Hammers are just seven points clear of the relegation zone after managing only six wins in 20 league matches under Lopetegui’s leadership.
A 4-1 defeat to Manchester City over the weekend proved to be the tipping point for the club’s hierarchy, prompting them to make a change.
West Ham released an official statement acknowledging the need to realign with the club’s ambitions for the season.
The statement also expressed gratitude to Lopetegui and his staff for their efforts and extended best wishes for their future endeavors.
The Spaniard’s tenure began with high expectations following a significant summer transfer window. The club spent around £125 million on new signings, including Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, and Niclas Füllkrug.
However, the team’s inconsistent performances and heavy defeats—such as the 5-2 loss to Arsenal and the 5-0 thrashing by Liverpool, both at home—undermined their progress.
Lopetegui, 58, joined West Ham in May 2024, replacing David Moyes, who had guided the team to European football in three consecutive seasons and led them to Europa Conference League glory in 2023.
Despite his impressive résumé, which includes stints with Real Madrid, Spain, and Wolves, Lopetegui struggled to replicate his past successes with the Hammers.
The club has reportedly considered several candidates to succeed Lopetegui, including Paulo Fonseca and Christophe Galtier. However, Potter, 49, has emerged as the frontrunner.
The Englishman has been out of management since being dismissed by Chelsea in April 2023 after a brief and challenging tenure.
Known for his success at Brighton and Swansea, Potter’s pragmatic approach could be what West Ham need to stabilize their season.
West Ham face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday, a crucial match that will likely be overseen by interim staff while the search for a permanent replacement continues.
Lopetegui’s departure marks the fifth managerial change in the Premier League this season, following the dismissals of Erik ten Hag, Steve Cooper, Gary O’Neil, and Russell Martin.
