David Sullivan transfer window decision could backfire on West Ham
Despite Julen Lopetegui’s appointment at West Ham in the summer, the Spaniard has not had the start to life in East London he would’ve wanted.
David Sullivan’s appointment was hoped to improve the style of football being delivered at The London Stadium while also putting the Hammers in a position to compete in the higher reaches of the Premier League table.
However, it is inconsistency that has characterised the 58-year-old’s tenure with the Irons so far which has left constant pressure surrounding the boss.
After two heavy defeats at the hands of Liverpool and Manchester City, there have been further questions asked of whether Lopetegui is still the man to take the East London outfit forward.
However, The Telegraph have reported (5 January) that the hierarchy are opting to stand by their appointment for the time being with their focus being on improving the squad rather than making managerial changes in the January transfer window – a decision that could ultimately backfire on Sullivan and the club.
David Sullivan’s Julen Lopetegui decision will dictate West Ham season
You can understand why Sullivan is reluctant to sack his managerial appointment as he is not someone who has been known to do this regularly and it would leave a big question to be answered on where the club go next.
However, it feels as though Lopetegui’s job has been on the line for too much of the season so far which makes this choice a risky one from the Hammers hierarchy, plus investing more money to improve a squad he has failed to get the most out of feels like a huge risk.
The Spaniard did have the opportunity to bring his own players in over the summer and too many of the arrivals have struggled to get going at The London Stadium this term.
Therefore, while it could be worth giving the 58-year-old his own opportunity to make the changes he wants to take the team forward, if his signings fail again it could leave the club in a sticky position.
Should Lopetegui be sacked from his role, Sullivan will be left with a decision to make about who to bring in as manager while a new boss would have an array of players that have been signed to match someone else’s intentions.
It’s a decision that is risky from the West Ham owner and one that could prove to be costly by the end of January.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are eyeing up a January transfer move for two Chelsea players.
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