Breaking News:Julen Lopetegui makes unbelievable demand of West Ham owners but it makes perfect sense
Lopetegui has made an unbelievable demand of the West Ham owners but it makes perfect sense.
Caught Offside have exclusively claimed Lopetegui is telling Steidten and co he wants them to sign Tariq Lamptey from Brighton in January.
Given the Hammers have just spent £15m on Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the summer, a claim that Lopetegui now wants another right-back is very strange indeed.
On the surface at least.
The report says Brighton will listen to offers for Lamptey in January because he is out of contract in the summer and has no intention of signing a new deal.
It is one thing that Lopetegui is bold enough to make such a demand given the uncertainty over his future.
But why on earth would he want to sign another right-back?
Tariq Lamptey of Brighton & Hove Albion in action during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool at…
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Hammers boss wants Lamptey but it makes perfect sense
Surely he has not given up on Wan-Bissaka – who has been criticised by some fans and was hauled off in the draw with Everton – already?
As bizarre a priority as it may sound given West Ham’s issues up front and in midfield, signing Lamptey could be a masterstroke.
Lopetegui clearly isn’t planning to sign rapid Lamptey to replace Wan-Bissaka in the starting XI.
The man who should be worried is Emerson Palmieri.
The left-back has been blowing hot and cold all year – like many Hammers stars.
Emerson has been particularly disappointing this season.
West Ham would have rapid and interchangeable duo
He has regularly been substituted by Lopetegui, who has switched Wan-Bissaka to the left on several occasions.
And it worked well too.
So his demand of a move for Lamptey actually makes perfect sense.
The Ghana international can play right or left-back and at wing-back too.
Lopetegui’s entire strategy is built around pacy wingbacks flying forward. It always has been.
Wan-Bissaka and Lamptey would be among the quickest fullbacks in the top flight.
They would be interchangeable too, offering even more flexibility.
At 24, Chelsea academy graduate Lamptey is also a great age. He would likely welcome a return to London as the report claims he wants to stay in the Premier League.
A ballsy demand from Lopetegui but one which makes more sense than you might initially think.
Be the first to comment