West Ham finally sack Julen Lopetegui after two days of ordeal as club press release

West Ham have finally announced the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui.

talkSPORT revealed on monday that the Hammers had decided to part ways with the Spaniard and had begun negotiations with Graham Potter to become their new boss.

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Even though Lopetegui was aware he was facing dismissal, he still trained on Tuesday and Wednesday while the club negotiated terms with Potter.

But Lopetegui canceled a planned team lunch on Tuesday night as the club prepared to confirm his fate, while a press conference on Wednesday was also cancelled.

Now, western ham have officially announced that the Spaniard's eight-month reign had come to an end.

A statement read: “The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the Club's ambitions and therefore the Club has taken action in line with its objectives.

“The Club can confirm that assistant coach Pablo Sanz, head of performance Óscar Caro, chief analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, physical trainer Borja De Alba and technical coach Edu Rubio have also left with immediate effect.

“The board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success in the future.

“The process of appointing a replacement is underway. The Club will not be making any further comments at this time.”

The 58-year-old was appointed in May to replace David Moyes, who left the club at the end of last season after his contract expired.

Lopetegui's position came under threat ahead of last month's clash against Wolves, before the Hammers embarked on a four-match unbeaten run.

However, they have suffered tough defeats in their last two games: a 5-0 at home against Liverpool followed by a 4-1 defeat in city ​​of manchester – which has left the club in 14th place in the Premier League.

Former Chelsea and Brighton boss Potter has been out of work since being sacked by the Blues in April 2023.

He is expected to return to management at West Ham after a breakthrough in contract negotiations on Tuesday.

talkSPORT understands that Potter will sign a two-and-a-half-year contract with a release clause at the end of the season if certain performance-based criteria are not met.

And their first task could be a difficult one when West Ham take on Aston Villa in an FA Cup third round match on Friday night, live on talkSPORT.