Following a dismal 5-2 defeat at Crystal Palace and the end of West Ham’s European journey, pressure is mounting on David Moyes and his future as manager is uncertain. HITC sources close to the former Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk and Porto coach, Paulo Fonseca, reveal that he is one of several options under consideration by the Hammers. While majority owner David Sullivan is still backing Moyes, the London-based outfit is reportedly ‘inundated’ with potential replacements. Gary O’Neil (Wolves), Ruben Amorim (Sporting Lisbon), Marco Silva (Fulham), and Thomas Tuchel (recently departed from Chelsea) are among the managers linked to the West Ham vacancy. West Ham also holds interest in Fonseca as well as Ruben Amorim. HITC understands Amorim flew to England for talks, but it’s unlikely he’ll end up at the London Stadium. That means West Ham could intensify their pursuit of Fonseca or other options in the coming weeks. Fonseca nearly took charge at both Tottenham and Newcastle United in the recent past. HITC has received a statement from Fonseca’s representatives, confirming interest from West Ham, though the 51-year-old is in no rush to make a decision about his future. The statement reads: “Paulo is very respected by the leadership at West Ham, and an option to replace David Moyes if and when he leaves. There has been no contact with him. Paulo is focused on Lille until the end of the season.” The Mozambique-born manager has won nine trophies in his coaching career, including titles with Porto, Braga, and Shakhtar Donetsk. His tactical flexibility and complexity have caught the eye of Arsenal icon Thierry Henry, who praises Fonseca’s ability to transform a four-man defense into a three-man defense and his team’s pressing and scoring prowess. West Ham has also been alerted to the availability of former Wolves coach Julen Lopetegui, who is out of work since leaving Molineux on the brink of the current campaign.
West Ham Eye Paulo Fonseca and Ruben Amorim as Moyes Pressure Rises
