Julen Lopetegui told to sell four West Ham first-XI stars immediately – expert
Julen Lopetegui has been told to sell the entire West Ham defence immediately upon his arrival when he replaces David Moyes.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hammers striker Frank McAvennie insisted the back four should be sold and the money used to rebuild the defence under Lopetegui.
He labelled the current defensive options the “worst” he’s ever seen at the club, singling Kurt Zouma out as one he would certainly sell this summer.
This comes after Football Insider shared the reaction from fans as they called for the new boss to strip Zouma of the captaincy after his recent displays.
Julen Lopetegui to make four sales immediately at West Ham
Zouma and his defensive teammates have received plenty of criticism for their performances this season, with the Hammers conceding 74 goals in the Premier League – an average of 1.9 per game.
McAvennie reminisced about Craig Dawson’s time at the club, insisting he would be a better option than the current centre-backs due to his no-nonsense style.
“The first thing he’s got to do is get rid of that defence and get more in. Get a completely new back four,” he told Football Insider.
“If you can keep the players you’ve got, and with the signings we have planned, it’s a hell of a team.
“That’s the worst defence I’ve seen at West Ham. Dawson is the best player we’ve had in years. He just went and won the ball, and didn’t start messing about.
“These boys at the back are definitely not for me. I would get rid of them.
“I would get rid of Zouma, I’d get rid of all of them.”
In other news, West Ham are readying a move to sign Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley.
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