Julen Lopetegui costs West Ham United in transfer race for ‘History Maker’
West Ham United are set to miss out on signing Sunderland gem Chris Rigg as Julen Lopetegui’s exploits leaves the side on track to miss out on European qualification.
The Hammers are believed to be one of several Premier League outfits pursuing the 17-year-old. However, this is a pointless endeavour as Rigg will only entertain proposals from sides competing in European competition [GiveMeSport, 21 November].
Rigg has established himself as a “history maker” as the youngest ever outfield player for Sunderland, as described by Carlton Palmer [GiveMeSport] and seems destined for the Premier League.
Whether that be in the North-East or any of the interested parties chasing his signature, it will certainly not be at West Ham unless drastic action is taken.
West Ham United cannot sign Chris Rigg with Julen Lopetegui at the helm
While West Ham are closer to the relegation zone than they are to the European spots, this year is proving to be the most competitive Premier League season for some time, with only seven points separating the Hammers in 14th to third-place Chelsea.
As it stands, it obviously remains mathematically possible for the Irons to embark on a resurgence up the league table and claim a return to European football, but still, with Lopetegui in charge, the side is more likely to be playing Championship football next term.
The Spaniard is not in the “elite” manager category that the West Ham faithful thought they were getting when the East London outfit decided to move on from predecessor David Moyes.
Lopetegui is surviving by the skin of his teeth at the London Stadium as a “hefty payoff” is all that is saving him from what now feels like an inevitable departure from the Irons.
His failures are beginning to affect West Ham moving forward, as East London appears to be a less desirable landing spot for Rigg with each passing match.
Had the Hammers lived up to the early season hype and found themselves within the European spots heading into the New Year, the side could be leading the race for the midfielder over Manchester United with the promise of becoming a regular starter in Claret and Blue.
However, all roads are leading to Rigg joining the Premier League elite when he takes the next step after Sunderland.
This snub in all likelihood will become a recurring theme at West Ham while Lopetegui is in charge – it is time for David Sullivan to bite the bullet and begin exploring his options.
In other West Ham news, Galatasaray chief makes a transfer decision on Hammers ace Michail Antonio.
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