Julen Lopetegui to help West Ham United sign Jota Silva amid Jose Mourinho transfer update
Julen Lopetegui’s reputation could help West Ham secure the signing of Jota Silva this summer despite interest from Fenerbahce and Jose Mourinho, Frank McAvennie has said.
According to A Bola [15 June], Jose Mourinho is interested in hijacking the Hammers’ signing of Silva from Vitoria de Guimaraes, wanting to take him to Fenerbahce as one of his first signings.
Despite this, a report from Sebastiao Sousa Pinto [27 May] suggests that Lopetegui is closing in on a deal for the 24-year-old forward, with the two managers now being pitted against each other this summer.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I’d have loved to have played for Mourinho, but I know some people have different thoughts on him. As a manager, he is someone you’d run through walls for. You get exactly what you see.
“But this new guy [Julen Lopetegui] has a good reputation. People know more than what I do, but I don’t want to judge off reputation. I want to see what he does at the start of the season and judge him off of that. Being a good manager somewhere else doesn’t guarantee the same in the Premier League, but hopefully, he hits the ground running.”
Jota Silva to choose West Ham United over Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce
While Mourinho is one of the most famous managers in recent history, the Portuguese man has certainly dipped in his success rate at clubs in the last few years.
Having now been appointed as Fenerbahce manager, the Hammers hold the upper hand when it comes to signing Silva, with the prospect of playing in the Premier League and, hopefully, guiding them to European qualification.
Also, considering Lopetegui’s previous experience in the Premier League with Wolves, lifting the club from near-relegation to the top half of the table, the Irons are in safe hands heading into the 2024/25 campaign.
West Ham fans will just hope that his CV, working with Sevilla, Real Madrid and the Spain national team, will help secure some more high-profile signings during the summer transfer window.
In other West Ham news, Vladimir Coufal has suffered a setback to his transfer wish after a Euro 2024 display.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.