Lopetegui replaces David Moyes, who departed his role at the London Stadium “by mutual consent” after his contract expired at the end of the Premier League season.

The 57-year-old will work closely with technical director Tim Steidten – who will have more control over the recruitment. When Moyes was reappointed in 2019, it was under the proviso that he would have a big say in recruitment and transfers.

But with Steidten’s appointment last summer, West Ham are moving towards a more European-based model.