Julen Lopetegui – CaughtOffside

West Ham could sell three defenders after completing Todibo transfer

CJ — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 17:30:15 +0000

West Ham United’s capture of Jean-Clair Todibo could open the door for up to three of the club’s existing centre-backs to leave the club, according to reports.

The Hammers announced the £35m transfer of Todibo from Ligue 1 side Nice on Saturday, reportedly beating Italian giants Juventus to his signature.

Todibo is the seventh signing of what has been a very busy summer for West Ham, who have also acquired Max Kilman, Luis Guilherme, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Guido Rodriguez and Wes Foderingham as they heavily back new manager Julen Lopetegui.

However, with so many arrivals, departures will also surely follow.

Veteran defender Angelo Ogbonna has already been released, but the Italian could be joined through the London Stadium exit door by three more centre-backs as the Hammers look to purge the squad ahead of the Lopetegui era.

According to HITC, Kurt Zouma is closing in on a transfer to United Arab Emirates side Shabab Al-Ahli.

Their report also states that Nayef Aguerd and Konstantinos Mavropanos could be up for sale this summer as West Ham look to trim the fat on their wage bill.

With both Todibo and Kilman on the books, it’s hard to see the aforementioned trio getting the game time they desire but while it’s hard to see all three leaving in one window, it wouldn’t be surprising to see at least one or two sold.

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“Won’t be resolved” – Ruling timescale gives West Ham hope over Lucas Paqueta

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 05:26:56 +0000

For some while now, charges for alleged illegal betting have been hanging over West Ham’s brilliant Brazilian, Lucas Paqueta.

At the point at which news first broke, the exciting forward appeared to be on the verge of a move to Pep Guardiola’s Man City, but as a result of the charges levied against him, that move never materialised.

Despite evident disappointment at not being able to join the serial Premier League winners, Paqueta has continued to be one of the Hammers most important and influential players.

Lucas Paqueta is vital to West Ham’s way of playing

Any worries that he might not be able to start the 2024/25 season with the outstanding charges still hanging over him have been allayed somewhat by former Everton CEO, Keith Wyness.

“There’s no doubt that West Ham were counting on Paqueta as a big sale at some stage,” he said on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.

“The unfortunate circumstances that have unfolded mean the value has dropped dramatically. The issue probably won’t be resolved until partway through the season.

West Ham will be hoping to utilise Lucas Paqueta for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign

“It’s a big asset they now can’t sell on. It’s just human nature in football – there will be frailties, there will be successes, and there will be failures.

“West Ham are now seeing the impact of a human frailty.”

Whilst that’s only Wyness’ opinion of course, as an ex-Premier League CEO, he will likely have some knowledge of the way in which things work administratively in such matters.

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Paqueta could be vital to Julen Lopetegui during the opening stages of the campaign, and should any charges be heard during the campaign, it’s a fair bet that the player and his legal team will try to appeal them, thus leading to another potential delay.

As a new look West Ham attempt to aim for a finish in the Champions League places, Paqueta’s creativity could be a vital difference.

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Opinion: Tim Steidten is the best thing to happen to West Ham in years

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 04:39:44 +0000

For years now West Ham United have been the Premier League’s proverbial sleeping giant, but technical director, Tim Steidten, is waking the East Londoners up in a big way.

A battle of wills that developed between the German and David Moyes last season was only going to see one winner and, for once, the Hammers made the right decision.

For all of Moyes’ success at the London Stadium – lest we forget he brought the club its first major trophy in over four decades – his was a style of play that had begun to look stale and moribund in today’s game.

Tim Steidten has worked wonders for West Ham

Steidten had already proved his worth in the transfer market by then, landing Edson Alvarez, Mo Kudus and others last summer, but in the current transfer window, the 45-year-old has surpassed himself.

Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Guido Rodriguez, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme have all put pen to paper, with an announcement expected soon on Jean-Clair Todibo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka hopefully added before the deadline.

Tim Steidten has made some brilliant signings for West Ham

That’s a sensational haul in anyone’s book, let alone for a West Ham side that are not even in Europe don’t forget.

If each player can reach their expected level, then the Champions League in 2025/26 will no longer be a pipe dream but a realistic aim.

With Julen Lopetegui having replaced Moyes at the helm too, Hammers fans can expect a return to the free-flowing attacking football that was always the hallmark of Irons teams of yesteryear.

If the season does end successfully for the East Londoners, it’ll be the Spaniard that takes the plaudits, but no one should forget that without the nous of Tim Steidten, the club would likely be ambling into another campaign in hope rather than expectation.

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West Ham starter on verge of leaving to join serial league winners

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 11:24:52 +0000

With so many new players coming in at West Ham, it was blindingly obvious that a clear out of current first-team stars would be the result.

If the Hammers can ensure that their players suffer a relatively injury free campaign, they could be dark horses for a Champions League spot, given the standard of players that Tim Steidten is bringing to East London.

In many respects, the pressure will all be on manager, Julen Lopetgui, and perhaps even more so than the scrutiny that David Moyes was subjected to.

The long-suffering Hammers faithful will arguably be delighted with how serious the club have taken the transfer window this time around, but they’ll expect an immediate return.

One player that’s unlikely to be participating in any event is Vladimir Coufal.

Rumours are circulating that the Hammers are continuing to try and land Man United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the right-back slot, and per Takvim, the reliable Coufal is therefore likely to take up an offer from multiple title-winning outfit, Besiktas, in Turkey.

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‘Injury’ to super defender hints that he is close to joining West Ham

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 11:02:55 +0000

It’s all go for West Ham at the moment.

No sooner had technical director, Tim Steidten, secured the brilliant captures of Argentine World Cup winner, Guido Rodriguez, and German hit-man, Niclas Fullkrug, than he was on a plane to Nice to hijack Juventus’ bid for Jean-Clair Todibo.

The Hammers have been super busy in this summer’s transfer window and it would appear that their business isn’t done yet.

Long time admirers of Man United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, news of an ‘injury’ to him has got the conspiracy theorists working overtime.

Manchester Evening News detailed that the right-back wasn’t spotted at training, but offered no further updates.

Given that the Red Devils need to get him off the books in order to bring in Noussair Mazraoui, the injury certainly seems to have come at a most convenient time.

By not playing over the next week or two, a medical with the Hammers could be forthcoming, followed by signing on the dotted line.

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West Ham zeroing in on brilliant 21-year-old Spanish right-back

Jason Pettigrove — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:35:20 +0000

With just over a week to go until West Ham open their 2024/25 Premier League campaign against Aston Villa, the East Londoners appear keen to get at least one more incoming transfer over the line.

It seems that Julen Lopetegui isn’t happy with his options at right-back and that could spell the end of Vladimir Coufal’s career at the club.

West Ham chasing Arnau Martinez

Coufal has certainly been a decent servant for the East Londoners, however, at 31 years of age, there’s a question mark as to whether he has the engine to shine in Lopetegui’s expected high pressing game.

To that end, links have emerged, including from CaughtOffside’s Daily Briefing columnist and transfer expert, Matteo Moretto, that place Girona’s brilliant Arnau Martinez in the crosshairs.

El West Ham se interesa en el lateral derecho del @GironaFC Arnau Martínez, quien está también en negociaciones para renovar su contrato, según adelanta @MatteMoretto #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/R05VlfMyxZ

— solofichajes123 (@solofichajes123) August 7, 2024

Although it’s also believed the player is listening to the Catalan outfit in terms of how they might improve his current deal, Martinez will surely be tempted by the project that Lopetegui is building in East London.

The ace up the sleeve that Girona do have is Champions League football for the forthcoming campaign, whilst the Hammers are out of Europe altogether.

It is worth pointing out, however, that Girona have recently sold their biggest threat, Artem Dovbyk, to Roma, and it remains to be seen just how that will affect the club both domestically and in Europe.

Girona’s squad, whilst not threadbare by any means, could struggle to compete in both competitions given the extra load on the players particularly during the group stages of the Champions League.

West Ham will likely want an answer soonest given that if it’s in the negative, they will need time to scout and secure another target.

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West Ham could be set to cash in on another Chelsea transfer mistake from Todd Boehly

Jason Pettigrove — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:19:53 +0000

Since Todd Boehly took over at Chelsea Football Club, there has never been a dull moment as far as transfer windows are concerned.

The American doesn’t appear to understand the need for continuity in a first-team squad, and on the face of it, prefers to treat all players as a commodity that should be bought or sold as required.

That’s all well and good in the world of business, but in the world of football things work a little bit differently.

West Ham primed to take advantage of Chelsea decision

Getting rid of your club captain for a profit in Conor Gallagher’s case isn’t a decision that would please the Stamford Bridge faithful by way of one recent example.

Bringing in highly-rated striker, Marc Guiu, from Barcelona only to potentially loan him out again straight away, as has happened with other Chelsea stars, might be said to be another head scratcher.

News from Sky Sports that West Ham are now seriously considering taking Trevoh Chalobah from their West London rivals when Chelsea have players in defence ahead of him such as Benoit Badiashile would appear to make little sense too.

Indeed, some Chelsea supporters seem to have taken to social media to express their feelings.

If Chelsea is serious, they will sell Benoit Badiashile immediately and recall Trevor Chalobah back to the squad.

As for Levi Colwill, he has no business starting for Chelsea and should only be a backup defender pic.twitter.com/l6f3utXbmj

— ????? (@badboy_jerry) August 7, 2024

If Boehly is intent on selling Chalobah because, like Gallagher, he would represent ‘pure profit’ in terms of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), then it clearly undermines what Enzo Maresca is trying to do at the club.

Just as it did for Mauricio Pochettino and Graham Potter before him.

If Todd Boehly truly loves Chelsea Football Club, then he needs to stop meddling and find another vehicle for his various business interests and investments.

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Agent questions Tottenham move for star who could now join West Ham

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:29:52 +0000

Although Tottenham finished the 2023/24 season in a better position than London rivals, West Ham United, it’s the Hammers that have stolen a march on the Lilywhites in the transfer market.

If Ange Postecoglou was looking for serious investment from the club and for Daniel Levy to put his hand in club coffers, so far this summer he’s seemingly not had the answer required.

West Ham on the other hand, have been going to town bringing in some high quality exponents that will likely stand them in good stead for next season.

Tim Steidten must be given the credit for landing the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez et al, with Julen Lopetegui now given a real opportunity to take the club forward.

One player that Spurs were known to be interested in, Juventus’ brilliant Federico Chiesa, could find his way to the London Stadium instead.

“I haven’t heard anything about it (Chiesa joining Spurs), to be honest,” agent David Lavelle told Bianconera News.

“I haven’t heard anything (official) about that rumour. This is news to me. He is a very, very good player.

“There is definitely a chance (he will move to the Premier League). I spoke to Cristiano (Giuntoli) and I think he could find a chance at a couple of Premier League clubs and I can say that we have some requests for a left winger from Fulham, who would be willing to pay, and from West Ham.”

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Leeds set to sign West Ham target to replace Summerville

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:05:48 +0000

The loss of Crysencio Summerville to West Ham United will only be measured by how badly Leeds United miss him during the course of the 2024/25 Championship season.

One of the best players in the English second tier last season, there’s little point in anyone connected with the club still wondering what might have been as far as the 22-year-old Dutchman is concerned.

The all whites were always going to have to sell their crown jewels this summer, and that much was obvious from the moment the whistle blew at the end of the Championship Play-Off final.

Now it’s down to Daniel Farke to inject some positivity into the squad and bring in those players that will get the club back up to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

Transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, has told Give Me Sport that one of the Elland Road outfit’s targets is Norwich City’s brilliant left winger, Jonathan Rowe.

Back at the beginning of the year, West Ham were monitoring Rowe according to The Standard, and Leeds might consider it a victory of sorts if they’re able land the player.

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£120k p/w ace with four goals in 18 months holding West Ham to ransom

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 07:04:42 +0000

It’s been a brilliant transfer window for West Ham United so far.

So often in the past the Hammers have allowed certain opportunities to pass them by, but with the likes of Max Kilman, Guido Rodriguez, Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville and others all being landed by technical director, Tim Steidten, there can be no complaints this time around.

David Sullivan and his board have backed Steidten to the hilt, and that’s given new first-team coach, Julen Lopetegui, a great chance of success in his first season at the club.

West Ham ace holding up move for another striker

The pressure was already on the Spaniard of course, given that for all David Moyes’ faults, he still brought a major trophy to the club – their first for over four decades.

With such an investment into the first-team squad now, it puts even more emphasis on the job that Lopetegui is going to do over the next nine months or so.

According to Football Insider, the spending spree might not yet be over either, as there’s the potential to land one more striker before the deadline.

Danny Ings needs to move on if West Ham are to sign another striker before the deadline.

However, there remains one stumbling block at present which is stopping the Hammers from adding to their front line.

They need to sell a current striker before they can buy another but the outlet note that Danny Ings, who has scored just four goals in 18 months, isn’t willing to take a pay cut (talkSPORT say he’s on £120,000 per week) in order to facilitate such a move.

Transfermarkt note that Ings only has 12 months left on his contract with the Hammers too, so there’s a real feeling that he’s holding the club to ransom at this point.

Whether the club can get past the impasse will only be seen over the course of the next few weeks.

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