Julen Lopetegui’s first summer in charge of West Ham United has been widely regarded as a triumph.
The Spaniard, who took over at the London Stadium earlier this year, oversaw a flurry of transfer activity that brought in nine new players and shipped out several underperforming members of the squad.
His ambition and vision for the club have been evident from the outset, and he seems determined to elevate West Ham to new heights.
Lopetegui’s approach has been refreshing, and his tactics on the pitch have impressed many. Watching West Ham press Manchester City high up the field in their recent clash was a testament to his influence.
The Hammers were fearless, challenging one of the Premier League’s best teams with a level of intensity and aggression that has often been missing in previous seasons.
It’s clear that Lopetegui is not content with simply competing; he wants to win, and he’s instilling that mentality in his players.
Off the pitch, there have been significant improvements as well. The club appears to be operating more efficiently, with a clear plan and direction that have been lacking in recent years. Lopetegui’s impact has been felt throughout the organisation, and the signs are encouraging for West Ham fans.
However, no manager is infallible, and even Lopetegui, with all his experience and success, has made a decision this summer that could come back to haunt him.
Among the various new arrivals, the £25 million signing of Niclas Fullkrug stands out as a potential misstep.
To be clear, Fullkrug is a competent striker with a proven track record. He has the physical presence and the experience to contribute to the team.
But questions remain about whether he was the right fit for West Ham, particularly when considering the alternative options that were available.
One such option was Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, a young, dynamic forward who has already made an impact in the Premier League this season.
With two goals to his name, the 20-year-old Colombian has shown exactly the kind of pace and power that West Ham could have benefitted from.
His energy and movement would have provided the Hammers with an additional dimension in attack, something that Fullkrug, for all his qualities, does not seem to offer.
It’s been reported that Duran was keen on a move to West Ham, even performing the famous ‘crossed Hammers’ gesture during a live-stream in July.
It’s hard not to wonder what might have been if Lopetegui had decided to push harder for his signature.
Duran’s potential is undeniable, and he could have been the perfect addition to a West Ham side that is looking to play with more intensity and pace.
Fullkrug, on the other hand, has yet to fully settle in at the London Stadium. It’s early days, and it’s important not to write him off too soon. He may yet prove to be a valuable player for West Ham, bringing experience and a different set of skills to the team.
But the early indications are that his lack of pace could be a significant drawback in the fast-paced environment of the Premier League.
In hindsight, Lopetegui might rue the decision not to go all out for Duran. The young Colombian seems tailor-made for the style of play that West Ham is trying to develop.
Fullkrug may still have a role to play, but Duran could have made West Ham truly formidable. Time will tell whether this was a missed opportunity for the Hammers.