Graham Potter in talks with West Ham to replace under-fire Julen Lopetegui
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WEST HAM are eyeing up Graham Potter as a potential replacement for Julen Lopetegui, whose position has been placed in fresh doubt following Saturday's heavy defeat away to Manchester City. While a final decision around Lopetegui's future has not been made, talks between Potter and the Hammers have taken place since the 4-1 drubbing at City with further discussions planned.
Ex-Chelsea boss Potter has turned down a number of opportunities, including the Ajax job, since leaving Stamford Bridge in April 2023. He also previously held talks with West Ham. But he is now their first choice should the club, who sit 14th in the table, decide to part ways with Lopetegui just over six months since he was appointed.
The 58-year-old has won six of 20 league games despite the squad receiving close to £150m of investment last summer. Maximilian Kilman, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Niclas Fullkrug were among 10 arrivals with the club determined to revamp their style following gripes around predecessor David Moyes' conservative but successful approach.
Lopetegui was close to being sacked in early December only for a win at home to Wolves, his former club, earning him a reprieve. But the defeat at City came six days after a 5-0 home loss to Liverpool and the Hammers also shipped five at home to Arsenal in late November.
Only three Premier League teams have worse defensive records than West Ham. The relationship between Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten, who is heading up the search for a possible successor, has become so strained that the transfer chief has been told to stay away from the training ground.
