After selling Declan Rice last summer, many West Ham United fans wondered how their side would cope with the loss of a key star like Rice. However, while the Hammers brought in Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Mohammed Kudus, things haven’t quite been the same. The London side are still in contention for a place in Europe next season but the transition hasn’t been perfect.
A part of that has been down to the absence of Rice’s presence in midfield with the other because of David Moyes’ struggles to plug the holes with the players he has. That has hurt the Hammers more than anything else with a recent 5-2 loss to Crystal Palace a key example. Even then, West Ham sit in 8th place on the league table, two points behind Newcastle United in 6th and Manchester United in 7th.
West Ham target Ruben Amorim as potential David Moyes replacement
While it does put them in contention for a place in Europe next term, results haven’t exactly seen David Moyes shine through especially with his contract expiring. The Scottish manager’s current deal expires at the end of the season and he did confirm that a new deal is in the talks. However, the Guardian has reported that the situation has now changed with the club’s hierarchy looking at options.
The report has revealed that the club believe that they need to change something especially as the Hammers have only won four of their 21 games played in 2024. So much so, that Tim Steidten, the technical director, has already started the manager search, with various names on his shortlist. He has also, as per the Guardian, touched base with their representatives to gauge their reaction.
However, the club’s top target is Ruben Amorim and the Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that the Hammers have held talks over a rather ambitious move for the Portuguese boss. Amorim is currently in charge of Sporting Lisbon and is considered to be one of the brightest young managers in Europe. But the 39-year-old is also being targeted by Liverpool as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp.
Yet the fact that Amorim has thrived at Sporting, playing a delightfully attacking brand of football while keeping things solid at the back despite losing players has attracted the Hammers. That combined with the way things have stagnated under Moyes has offered the club a chance. But the Guardian has further reported that the club may offer Moyes a new deal should they qualify for European football next season.
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