After 20 Premier League games, West Ham’s head coach Julen Lopetegui has been fired. The Spanish manager took over for David Moyes in the summer after the Scot left at the conclusion of his contract, but the squad has only win six league games are 14th place in the standings after spending over £130 million on transfers.

A club statement read: “The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the club’s ambitions and the club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.”

West Ham added: “The process of appointing a replacement is underway.”

Following more fruitful discussions between West Ham and the former Chelsea and Brighton manager on Tuesday, Graham Potter is expected to succeed the 58-year-old.

After David Moyes’ contract expired at the end of the 2023–24 season, Lopetegui took over at the London Stadium in May. Lopetegui only won six of his 20 Premier League games as manager, and the Hammers are now in 14th place in the standings after managing a summer transfer budget of over £130 million.

After a 3-1 loss to Leicester in December, Lopetegui was on the verge of being fired when the club’s board was divided 60-40 on whether to fire him.

West Ham has already terminated his tenure, with his final game being a 4-1 loss against Manchester City. He managed a 2-1 victory over Wolves in his next game, but won only once in the next five games.

Westham’s official statement

After confirming Lopetegui’s departure, an official statement from the club read: “West Ham United can confirm that head coach Julen Lopetegui has today left the club.

“The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the club’s ambitions and the club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.

The club can confirm that assistant head coach Pablo Sanz, head of performance Oscar Caro, head analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, fitness coach Borja De Alba and technical coach Edu Rubio have also left with immediate effect.

“The board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.

“The process of appointing a replacement is underway. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”