"I was seduced" – Player reveals how Lopetegui convinced him to join West Ham in summer

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Carlos Soler claims he was “relieved” when Paris Saint-Germain allowed him to join West Ham United on a loan deal.

The midfielder has had a chat with Marca, discussing several topics including his move to West Ham and why he left the Ligue 1 winners.

His loan move to West Ham was concluded on summer deadline day, minutes before the window closed.

When asked how he lived those days, he said: “We were already negotiating. But when they told me that I could travel, I felt even more relieved… and I ended up signing 15 or 20 minutes before the market closed.

“In fact, the contract did not arrive until five minutes earlier. I was with my girlfriend and my representative. Quiet… but at the same time not. Everything was closed, but if it doesn’t arrive.”

The 27-year-old arrived at the Paris club from Valencia in September 2022. He clocked in just over 2,800 minutes from 63 games in all competitions for PSG. Soler was aware he wasn’t going to have a prominent role at the club this season.

However, the West Ham summer signing has made it clear that neither Luis Enrique nor PSG asked him to leave in the last window.

Julen Lopetegui played a key part in convincing the Spain international to join West Ham. Marca asked the manager’s role in convincing him and what role he has in mind for him.

Responding to that, Soler explained: “He told me that he needed a player with my profile, with the ability to go and come back, the ability to arrive, who could help in the build-up. He felt that they didn’t have that in the team.

“He told me that they were building a good project. The first time we made contact they only made two signings, and we ended up making seven or eight. I was seduced by the idea of being able to come to a new team under construction and with a coach I knew.

“It’s true that there is also a lot of competition [Edson, Soucek, Guido, Paquetá…], but he also told me that my versatility could allow me to play in different positions and I think that benefits me.”

West Ham have endured a difficult start to the season as they have two wins from eight league games. Soler has clocked in 121 minutes from four Premier League games for the Hammers.

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