Lopetegui’s FINAL item on his transfer wish-list is to get Competition for Coufal and a PERFECT Candidate has been identified

Julen Lopetegui’s Final Transfer Request at West Ham United

West Ham United’s new manager, Julen Lopetegui, has made his final transfer request to the club’s hierarchy, according to reports. The Spanish boss is keen to bring in a new right-back to compete with Vladimir Coufal, who is approaching his 32nd birthday. Lopetegui’s request comes after the club has already secured several key signings in the transfer window.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the Manchester United defender, is Lopetegui’s primary target for the right-back position. However, the deal is reportedly being held up due to issues with wages and a potential pay-off at Old Trafford. Manchester United are eager to sell Wan-Bissaka, but West Ham United are struggling to agree on personal terms with the player.

Noussair Mazraoui, the Bayern Munich defender, has already been lined up as a replacement for Wan-Bissaka. However, West Ham United have reportedly resigned themselves to missing out on the Moroccan international as they push for Wan-Bissaka instead. The club’s hierarchy is keen to secure Lopetegui’s final transfer request, but the deal is proving to be a complex one.

Ben Johnson’s exit from the club created the need for cover at right-back, and Lopetegui clearly has his eye on upgrading on Coufal. The Czech defender remains a capable performer, but the linked names would arguably all expect to start. Wan-Bissaka, Mazraoui, and Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters are all reportedly on Lopetegui’s radar.

The majority of West Ham United’s transfer business has already been completed, thanks to strong work by Tim Steidten. The club has secured a striker and a starting-quality wide man in Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville, respectively. Central midfield reinforcement is also on the brink, with Guido Rodriguez set to join the club.

However, the delay in securing Wan-Bissaka’s signature is proving to be a frustration for Lopetegui. The deal has been dragging on for some time, and the fact that personal terms were reportedly verbally agreed with the player is making the situation even more complex.

Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany reported on August 1 that personal terms had been agreed with Wan-Bissaka, but if that is dependent on a pay-cut at the London Stadium following a pay-off at Old Trafford, that is proving an issue. If Manchester United are keen to move Wan-Bissaka on to bring in Mazraoui, they would surely need to compromise somewhere, especially if West Ham United are willing to pay the full asking price.

In other West Ham United news, the club secured a significant discount to land another key signing. The Irons have been busy in the transfer window, and Lopetegui’s final transfer request is the last piece of the puzzle. The club’s hierarchy will be keen to secure the deal and complete the squad ahead of the new season.