Allardyce Questions West Ham’s Summer Spending, Says Lopetegui Struggling to Build Cohesion

Former West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has raised concerns over the club’s recent transfer activity, saying that the influx of new players has hindered head coach Julen Lopetegui’s ability to form a cohesive team. In a recent appearance on the Seaman Says podcast hosted by ex-England goalkeeper David Seaman, Allardyce suggested that West Ham’s ambitious summer recruitment may have backfired.

Overseen by head of recruitment Tim Steidten, the Hammers went through a significant squad overhaul this past summer, aiming to inject fresh talent and elevate the club’s ambitions in the Premier League. However, with only three wins in their first 11 matches, West Ham currently sits 14th in the league standings. Lopetegui has been cautious in offering substantial playing time to many of the new arrivals, reflecting the challenges of integrating multiple new signings.

Allardyce compared West Ham’s situation to his own experience managing Bolton Wanderers in the early 2000s, where a large influx of players created unexpected difficulties. “David [Sullivan] has never spent as much,” Allardyce remarked, noting that while Lopetegui came with a strong reputation, success has been elusive. “Not all foreign managers are great coaches, like everyone seems to think. They often get forgotten.”

Reflecting on his own challenges, Allardyce continued, “When you bring in six or seven new players, it’s very hard. After our first year at Bolton, I brought in eight players thinking it would be a boost, but I nearly got us relegated.”