Lopetegui could push one prominent midfielder out as he sets Raheem Sterling on the Hammers radar.
Lopetegui could push one prominent midfielder out as he sets Raheem Sterling on the Hammers radar.
West Ham hopes to improve their attacking prowess with the addition of Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, who was previously enduring an underwhelming season under Mauricio Pochetinno.
The Times reported on August 19 that the Hammers are willing to let in a new name join the London stadium, possibly with a boast for a Czech international whose move could spark transfer speculations as Lopetegui makes room for new signings.
According to further reports, Westham could be without Tomas Soucek this season, as he hasn’t been included in the manager’s long-term plans for the 2024/25 campaign, though he had been crucial during Moye’s time.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell thinks that Lopetegui could assess his side and their style of play before possibly asking the club to sell the midfielder, who was a regular under David Moyes.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Bardell said: “It depends on the brand of football that Lopetegui wants to play.
“Generally, his sides want to have the ball and an element of control. Soucek has a lot of strong suits, but passing probably isn’t one of them. He offers different things as a midfielder.
“If Lopetegui wants to take West Ham in a different direction, then maybe he looks to move Soucek on and bring in a player he prefers.
“What I will say about Soucek is that he is a very effective player. When he’s on the pitch, you always know he’s there, which is always a plus.“
The Tomas Soucek move could ignite the addition of a swap deal for someone like Carlos Soler from PSG, which might be dangerous and something the Spanish coach regrets.
West Ham are desperate to find a suitable option who could be used on either of the two flanks, and it seems both Raheem Sterling and Carlos fit the manager’s plan.
The only setback on sterling will undoubtedly be his huge wage, which is reportedly a whopping £300k per week, and the manager wouldn’t afford to make any mistakes in agreeing to that offer.
Chelsea are willing to let go of Sterling, but it seems his huge price tag and his wage could keep the Hammers off the deal as the manager hopes to continue his search for a prolific option before the window shuts down on the 30th.
