Exclusive: Tim Steidten targeting coach who left West Ham in 2017 as Julen Lopetegui replacement, contact made

11/21/2024 11:00 AM

• EXCLUSIVE with Graeme Bailey

Julen Lopetegui is facing a battle to keep his job at West Ham.

After a summer of significant investment – which saw roughly £150m spent on new signings – the Hammers have disappointed so far this season, sitting 14th in the Premier League at the time of writing.

Naturally, the finger is being pointed at Julen Lopetegui – and TBR Football understand Tim Steidten is already looking to replace the Spaniard at the London Stadium.

Tim Steidten has spoken to Edin Terzic

Sources have now informed TBR Football that Edin Terzic is the No.1 option to replace Lopetegui at West Ham – although David Sullivan would prefer to give more time to the man born in Asteasu.

However, the 75-year-old knows he will be left with little choice but to sack the 58-year-old if results do not improve.

Steidten – Director of Football at West Ham – is believed to have already made contact with Terzic in recent weeks, and the German is free to be hired at any time after leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season.

TBR Football understand Roger Schmidt, Sebastian Hoeness and Kasper Hjulmand are also under consideration at West Ham by Steidten – who considered a move for Endrick from Real Madrid.

However, Terzic – who assisted Slaven Bilic at West Ham from 2015 to 2017 – is Steidten’s preferred choice to replace Lopetegui, after he guided Borussia Dortmund to the UEFA Champions League final last season.

What Erling Haaland has said about West Ham target

Terzic seemingly has no problem dealing with big names in football management, having struck up a close bond with Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland in Dortmund.

After Borussia Dortmund fought back to record a 3-2 win against Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League in 2021, Haaland said: “Edin has been good and I've been talking a lot with him. He said today would be my game and that I would get my chances and I did, so it was an important win.”

As Terzic told the Bundesliga’s official website, he boasts a strong relationship with Bellingham too, saying: “I personally have a very close relationship with him. What he’s shown in the last few weeks has been outstanding, especially considering he’s only 17 years of age.”

The 42-year-old unfortunately won’t be able to call upon Haaland and Bellingham if he does replace Lopetegui, but his ability to connect with players surely won’t do him any harm if he does end up back in east London.