Julen Lopetegui to push for Juan Miranda signing at West Ham United
West Ham signing Juan Miranda this summer would be a sign of Julen Lopetegui putting his own stamp on the squad, Dan Bardell has suggested.
TBR Football reported (27 June) that the Hammers are interested in the Spaniard as his Real Betis contract is set to expire.
The Spain international is “high in demand” and could be signed to offer competition for Emerson Palmieri and Aaron Cresswell at left-back.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell acknowledges it might not be an obvious position West Ham need to strengthen from the outside, but that Lopetegui thinks Miranda could suit his style of play.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Bardell said: “Obviously when a new manager comes in they want to bring in their own players.
“They already have Emerson and Cresswell so they are pretty well stacked with left backs at West Ham. Lopetegui might have a vision of how he wants to play and maybe Miranda comes in and suits that better.
“It makes sense that he’s going to look at La Liga because it’s a league he knows and with a free transfer it’s pretty risk-free.
“As Lopetegui looks to shape his West Ham squad, he may bring in players in positions fans didn’t think needed changing. This move might not look right from the outside but from Lopetegui’s point of view it must make sense.“
West Ham interested in Juan Miranda
The new Spanish head coach will be looking to shape the Hammers’ squad in his own image ahead of his Premier League return.
This could involve bringing in players from La Liga and also players who he has worked with in the past like Youssef En-Nesyri.
A move for the Moroccan certainly makes sense as West Ham are in need of a new striker ahead of the new season.
On the flip side, signing Miranda would be a strange move given that Lopetegui already has two senior left-back options available to him.
As a left-back he is good with the ball with his feet and a good passer of the ball, typical of a Barcelona academy product.
Depending on the set-up that Lopetegui opts for at the London Stadium, he could prove to be a perfect signing on a free transfer.
The Hammers have a decision to make on him but Emerson may feel he wants a new challenge if Miranda is to come in.
In other West Ham news, transfer details have emerged as Wolves prepare for a third Max Kilman bid from the Hammers.
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