A simply astonishing Julen Lopetegui claim has been made just three days into the West Ham job which will shock fans.
It is fair to say West Ham were not overly enamoured with the idea of appointing out of work Julen Lopetegui as David Moyes’ replacement.
After holding talks with Ruben Amorim and being linked with the likes of Thomas Tuchel that is perhaps understandable.
Hammers supporters did, though, take great comfort in the fact Lopetegui – by all accounts – seemed to be a man who demands a lot of his owners.
The West Ham faithful have warmed the Spaniard’s appointment after hearing from him since he was officially named the club’s 18th permanent boss in 129 years.
Guillem Balague previously revealed Lopetegui turned down a £60m-per-year salary in Saudi to wait for West Ham.
Astonishing Lopetegui claim just three days into West Ham job
It was already widely reported that Lopetegui walked out on Wolves on the eve of last season over broken promises regarding spending and ambition.
Pundits and observers warned the West Ham’s owners that could make him a volatile appointment.
After four-and-a-half years of stability and relative tranquillity, the last thing West Ham need is their new head coach throwing his toys out of the pram and walking out, as he did at Molineux.
But many West Ham fans saw it as a positive, feeling the 57-year-old will push West Ham’s owners to invest in the team.
Back in May a journalist who knows all about the new Hammers boss’ time at Wolves warned majority owner David Sullivan has and technical director Tim Steidten what needs to happen to avoid Lopetegui repeating his Wolves walkout at West Ham.
Speaking on The Athletic FC podcast, journalist Tim Spiers said it is imperative Lopetegui is backed financially with players he wants.
Spiers added that if the former Spain and Real Madrid boss isn’t backed with transfers or West Ham break promises, there could be trouble.
Now an astonishing Lopetegui claim has been made just three days into the West Ham job.
New boss ready to walk over transfers claims report
Caught Offside sensationally claim that Lopetegui, who was only officially unveiled on Monday and took training for the first time on Wednesday, could be ready to walk over a lack of progress on transfers.
Speaking to the media at his unveiling on Monday, Lopetegui did repeatedly state he wants signings in as soon as possible in the window.
And when asked about transfers, the Spaniard redirected questions to Steidten, who was sat alongside him.
Lopetegui also said he wants to ‘make a big noise’ with the Hammers, underlining his ambition.
Now the report claims Lopetegui could leave before the season begins if West Ham don’t bring in his targets such as Max Kilman and others.
The report claims Lopetegui is already growing restless as the alleged “low-ball” offers being made by the Hammers hierarchy.
West Ham have signed Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme and veteran back-up goalkeeper Wes Foderingham so far.
Lopetegui only has 19 senior players as things stand. So West Ham need at least another six signings to have a full Premier League squad.
With several other Hammers players up for sale, that number is likely to rise too.
Lopetegui is taking West Ham away to a warm-weather training camp in Austria next week.
With international players not due back yet, he will be taking a very light squad abroad.
This appears to be some sensationalist mischief making with little substance.
But perhaps these are the smelling salts the owners need to start getting some of Lopetegui’s targets in the building.
Either way Hammers News will be seeking a response from West Ham on this speculation in the hope of ruling it out as mere speculation.
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