TalkSPORT pundit and former Premier League striker Darren Bent has suggested Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers as a potential successor to Julen Lopetegui at West Ham. The Spanish manager faces increasing scrutiny after a poor start to the season.
Lopetegui took over from David Moyes in the summer, tasked with implementing a new style of football at the London Stadium. However, results have been underwhelming.
The Hammers have endured a torrid run, managing only three wins in their first ten Premier League games. Heavy defeats have left the club hovering uncomfortably near the relegation zone.
Despite the dismal form, club owner David Sullivan appears hesitant to part ways with Lopetegui, who was brought in just a few months ago.
According to reports from GIVEMESPORT, Sullivan is reluctant to make a hasty decision, though pressure from fans and within the club is mounting.
In a discussion about possible replacements, Darren Bent floated Brendan Rodgers as a strong candidate, citing his extensive Premier League experience with Liverpool and Leicester City.
Bent believes Rodgers could be tempted by a return to England, especially since he has already achieved significant success in Scotland.
“Brendan Rodgers, I’m telling you now, I think he could be the one. He played some nice football. I know towards the end it goes a bit sour. But Brendan Rodgers. If he’s going to win the league again up in Scotland, doesn’t mean he needs it.
“I think Brendan could, though, when I say next level, remember he won the FA Cup with Leicester. No one gave him a prayer on that.”
Rodgers has a history of making mid-season moves. In February 2019, he left Celtic under controversial circumstances to take charge at Leicester City.
His tenure at the King Power Stadium was largely successful, highlighted by an FA Cup triumph in 2021. However, his time ended on a sour note when Leicester were relegated in 2023, prompting his departure.
The Northern Irishman returned to Celtic last summer, replacing Ange Postecoglou. Despite initial skepticism from fans, Rodgers quickly restored his reputation by leading the club to another Scottish Premiership title.
This season, his side sits top of the league once again, and they are performing well in the Champions League, recently defeating RB Leipzig 3-1.
West Ham’s upcoming fixture against Everton could prove pivotal. With the international break looming, a defeat might push the club’s hierarchy to make a change.
It would offer a rare window for a managerial reset, as the next break in the calendar won’t come until March. All eyes will be on the London Stadium this weekend as Lopetegui fights to save his job.