JUST IN: Julen Lopetegui planning a “ruthless” January transfer window decision letting go of Five Star player following recent FA offense accusation.
West Ham United may part ways in 2025 with a player highly valued by manager Julen Lopetegui, amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding the futures of other key members of his squad.
Lopetegui, under pressure, could lose key players from West Ham
Lopetegui’s crucial 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday bought him some time, as he seeks to avoid the same outcome as Erik ten Hag, who resigned following the match.
This was West Ham’s second win in three league games, though the club struggled from August until early October without a single victory in any competition—a disappointing record, especially after spending around £120 million in the summer.
The coming matches at London Stadium will be vital for Lopetegui, as his team prepares to face Nuno Espirito Santo’s in-form Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Longer-term planning for Lopetegui is complicated by rumors that key players may be departing. Star forward Mohammed Kudus has attracted interest from Barcelona, as well as from clubs in Saudi Arabia and the Premier League. Losing Kudus would be a tough blow, as he’s arguably been their most effective attacker this season. Meanwhile, striker Niclas Fullkrug, a recent signing, may be sold as soon as January due to a persistent Achilles tendon injury.
Carlos Soler likely to leave West Ham after loan
Carlos Soler, who joined on loan from PSG, is also expected to depart at the season’s end. According to *Claret and Hugh*, West Ham is unlikely to exercise the £27 million option to make Soler’s transfer permanent. Soler is reportedly on a £80,000-per-week wage at West Ham, which is only part of his “huge” PSG salary, making it challenging for West Ham to cover the full amount.
Although Lopetegui has praised Soler as a “great” player with valuable versatility, it seems 2024/2025 may be the only season we see him in West Ham’s colors.