West Ham United have parted ways with manager Julen Lopetegui just 22 games into his tenure. Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is widely tipped to take over at the London Stadium.

The decision comes after a challenging start to the 2024/25 season, with the Hammers sitting 14th in the Premier League table, only seven points clear of the relegation zone. Lopetegui managed just six wins in 20 league matches, with his fate seemingly sealed after a 4-1 loss to Manchester City last Saturday.

“The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the club’s ambitions, and the club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives,” West Ham said in an official statement.

The club thanked Lopetegui and his coaching staff for their contributions, stating, “The board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.”

Disappointing Season Despite Heavy Investment

West Ham were one of the Premier League’s biggest spenders during the summer transfer window, investing approximately £125 million ($155 million) on players such as Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, and Niclas Füllkrug. However, the results failed to match the investment.

Lopetegui’s tenure was marred by a series of heavy defeats, including a 5-2 loss to Arsenal and a 5-0 thrashing by Liverpool, both at home. The former Real Madrid and Spain manager was appointed in May 2024, succeeding David Moyes after his second spell at the club.

What’s Next for West Ham?

With the January transfer window open, West Ham’s leadership is expected to act swiftly in securing a new manager. Graham Potter, who previously led Chelsea and Brighton, is the frontrunner for the position.

The club’s immediate focus will be stabilizing their Premier League campaign while ensuring their summer signings deliver the expected impact in the latter half of the season.

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