Graham Potter is set to become West Ham United’s new manager after the club parted ways with Julen Lopetegui.
The former Brighton and Chelsea boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Hammers and will be officially unveiled during a press conference at London Stadium on Thursday morning.
Lopetegui, appointed in May to succeed David Moyes, lasted just six months in charge, with his tenure formally beginning on July 1. Under his leadership, West Ham struggled, winning only six Premier League matches.
The team’s latest setback, a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, marked their ninth loss in 20 league games this season, leaving the club in 14th place, just seven points above the relegation zone.
In their statement, West Ham said: “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.”
Along with Lopetegui, the club has dismissed his backroom staff, including assistant Pablo Sanz, head of performance Oscar Caro, head analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, fitness coach Borja de Alba, and technical coach Edu Rubio.
“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,” the statement added.
Sources suggest Potter chose West Ham over other opportunities due to the club’s stable ownership, willingness to provide managers with time to develop their vision, and the strength of the squad relative to other lower-tier Premier League teams.
West Ham views Potter as a coach with a proven Premier League record, known for developing players and maximizing the potential of his squads. The club believes he can achieve more with the players signed during the summer transfer window than Lopetegui managed.
Potter’s first challenge as West Ham manager is likely to be the FA Cup clash against Aston Villa on Friday.