West Ham Unlikely to Pursue Jose Mourinho as Pressure Mounts on Lopetegui

West Ham United are reportedly not considering Jose Mourinho as a realistic replacement for under-pressure manager Julen Lopetegui, despite growing speculation about the Portuguese tactician’s return to the Premier League. According to sources at Football Insider, the financial implications of parting ways with Lopetegui and securing Mourinho from his current position at Fenerbahce make the move improbable for the Hammers at this time.

Mourinho’s Premier League Ambitions

Jose Mourinho’s name has been circulating among Premier League clubs as the iconic manager reportedly angles for a return to English football. Known for his illustrious stints at Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, Mourinho is eager to make his comeback, with the London Stadium among potential destinations floated by insiders.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the 61-year-old is “very interested” in the idea of managing the Hammers, a sentiment echoed in Mourinho’s own remarks. During a recent press conference, following a 1-1 draw with Manchester United, Mourinho made a series of eyebrow-raising comments that highlighted his dissatisfaction with his current role in Turkey.

“The best thing I have to do is when I leave Fener is that I go to a club that doesn’t play in UEFA competition. So a club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I’m ready to go,” Mourinho quipped.

He continued with pointed criticism of the Turkish Super Lig:

“Nobody wants to watch the Turkish league… Why should they see this? … It’s too grey, it’s too dark, smells bad.”

These remarks underline his eagerness to exit Turkish football and reignite his managerial career in the Premier League, where his reputation remains strong despite mixed results in recent years.

The West Ham Situation

West Ham’s slow start to the 2024/25 Premier League season has led to growing scrutiny over Julen Lopetegui’s position. The Spaniard, who arrived at the club during the summer, has overseen a disappointing run of form, with the Hammers winning just three of their first 11 matches. Heading into their 12th league game, questions are being asked about Lopetegui’s ability to turn the tide.

Despite this, the West Ham hierarchy is reportedly willing to give Lopetegui more time to improve results, particularly with a favorable run of fixtures on the horizon. Sources suggest the club sees no immediate need to make a managerial change, even as names like Mourinho are floated in the media.

For West Ham, parting ways with Lopetegui would come with significant financial costs, given his recent appointment and the terms of his contract. Furthermore, Mourinho’s ongoing deal with Fenerbahce, which runs until 2026, would require a substantial payout to secure his services.

Mourinho’s Potential Premier League Return

While West Ham’s cautious approach has dimmed the likelihood of Mourinho taking over at the London Stadium, the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan manager remains keen to return to England. However, his options appear limited for now.

Newcastle United was initially touted as a potential destination for Mourinho, with rumors suggesting he was interested in succeeding Eddie Howe. However, Newcastle’s strong performances and commitment to their current manager have closed that door.

The allure of a Premier League return, coupled with Mourinho’s undeniable pedigree, ensures his name will continue to be linked with managerial vacancies in England. However, his outspoken nature and high financial demands may deter clubs from making a move.

West Ham’s January Plans

As Mourinho watches from the sidelines, West Ham remain focused on addressing their squad’s shortcomings ahead of the January transfer window. Insiders have revealed that the Hammers are working on a deal to sign a defender, a move aimed at bolstering their fragile backline. This strategy underscores the club’s intent to strengthen Lopetegui’s hand rather than replace him mid-season.

The Bigger Picture

For now, West Ham appears committed to giving Julen Lopetegui time to steer the club back on course, despite growing external pressure and internal doubts. While Mourinho remains eager for a Premier League return, his high-profile personality, contentious remarks, and financial implications make him a challenging proposition for clubs like West Ham.

The next few weeks will be critical for both Lopetegui and the Hammers as they navigate this turbulent period. Should results fail to improve, the club may be forced to reevaluate its stance, potentially reigniting discussions about Mourinho or other top managerial candidates.

As for Mourinho, his aspirations for a Premier League return may need to wait, unless another club decides to take a gamble on his undeniable experience and winning mentality.