So, it seems as though Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui will be the new West Ham United manager.

West Ham have decided to appoint Julen Lopetegui to replace David Moyes this summer, after it was claimed that David Sullivan has chosen the former Wolves boss, having been ‘won over’ by him during talks.

Despite what some Hammers fans may think about the 57-year-old, myself included, he has held some of the most prestigious jobs in world football including Real Madrid and the Spain national team.

I’m no fan of Lopetegui, but will of course back him to the hilt, starting when he’s formally announced as the new manager.

If he is too succeed though, he will need to be given all of the tools to enable him to do so.

And judging by the latest update, he will already have his work cut out…

Julen Lopetegui will be working with one hand tied his back at West Ham

The ex-Wolves manager is primed to replace Moyes, but when will that be exactly?

West Ham insider Sean Whetstone took to his official X account to provide an update on our pursuit of Lopetegui.

He highlighted how the Spaniard will not replace Moyes until the Scot’s contract expires on July 1st:

Now, that’s really bad news if you ask me.

Up to 12 players could be set to leave West Ham this summer. Whilst all of them may not depart, at least six definitely will.

Considering the fact that our squad is already criminally low on numbers, Lopetegui faces a huge rebuild at the London Stadium when he replaces Moyes.

It’s no exaggeration to suggest that the Spaniard will need to make around eight new signings when the summer transfer window opens.

So why isn’t he being installed as the new Hammers boss immediately after the final game of the season, or June 1st at the very least?

Just pay up the final month of Moyes’s contract and be done with it. In order for Julen Lopetegui to get ahead of the game at West Ham, he needs time to build a proper squad.

Unfortunately for him though, it seems like he’ll be starting his Hammers journey behind the eight-ball.

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