Julen Lopetegui transfer plan emerges at West Ham United after Ferran Torres update
Frank McAvennie believes Julen Lopetegui will be bringing Spanish transfer targets with him to West Ham this summer.
The new Hammers boss reportedly “insists” on getting a deal done for Barcelona star Ferran Torres as he searches for striker competition to push Michail Antonio, as per Mundo Deportivo.
Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri is another name from La Liga who has been linked with a move to the London Stadium, with Lopetegui keen to reunite with the forward, who has 73 goals in 196 games [Vamos Mi Sevilla].
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “Because of the new manager, he’ll know who’s done what in the Spanish league. You never see bad clips or videos of players. There are going to be a lot of Spanish players coming in, I think. That’s where he knows players from.
“The players he’s talking to, I don’t care if they’re Spanish, as long as they’re good players. I didn’t want Zouma when he came in from Chelsea – I didn’t think he was that kind of player but he became captain.
“Then he looked like he wasn’t fit. I’m hoping this new manager is going to get all the players up to speed, with everyone fit for the start of the season. You’ve got to be at the top of your game to play in the Premier League. I don’t think he’ll play favourite like Moyes probably did.”
Julen Lopetegui set to influence West Ham United transfer window
The Hammers will need to prepare themselves for a plethora of squad changes over the next few weeks, with Lopetegui wanting to stamp his mark ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Several players were criticised heavily during David Moyes’ last season in charge at the London Stadium, many of whom have already been linked with moves away.
With such a big task ahead of him, it makes sense for Lopetegui to fall back on players he is comfortable around, with Wolves’ Max Kilman another target this summer.
In other West Ham news, Thiago Motta’s stance on the sale of Matias Soule has emerged at Juventus amid interest from the London Stadium.
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.