Bayern Munich make phone call to beat West Ham United to new manager appointment
West Ham United face a challenge to make Julen Lopetegui their new manager after Bayern Munich made contact with the 57-year-old, according to Florian Plettenberg.
West Ham had made Lopetegui their main candidate to replace David Moyes at the London Stadium this summer, but Bayern’s interest could prove a stumbling block in their efforts.
The Hammers have been scouring the continent for some of the highest-rated managers currently on the market, but losing out on Lopetegui would still represent a setback for the club.
Sky Sports Germany journalist Plettenberg revealed in a post on X (4 May) that the German club’s sporting director Max Eberl; “inquired by phone with Lopetegui’s management on Thursday.”
He added that Bayern; “checked if the 57-year-old Spaniard is available.
“Lopetegui wants to take over a new club again. He’s on Bayern‘s list now.”
West Ham hoping Lopetegui will choose them over Bayern Munich
West Ham have made no secret of their hunt for a top manager this summer, all whilst failing to confirm if and when Moyes will be departing his role at the London Stadium.
Lopetegui is one of several big names linked with a switch to East London, with Portuguese duo Ruben Amorim and Paulo Fonseca both of interest to West Ham’s board and former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick spotted attending a Hammers match earlier this season.
Reports have implied that the Irons did hold talks with Amorim in London, but after the two parties failed to come to an agreement, their full attention has switched towards appointing Lopetegui in the London Stadium dugout.
Interest from one of football’s biggest clubs – and one who’ve just been beaten to the Bundesliga title for the first time in over a decade – will undoubtedly be enticing for Lopetegui, but helping West Ham to break into the Premier League’s true elite over the next few seasons surely represents an even more exciting challenge.
In other West Ham news, Lucas Paqueta could find himself in a transfer battle to depart the club.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channelfor instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.