Journalist Fabrizio Romano has given an interesting upaate about Julen Lopetegui after his exit from Wolves recently.
The Spaniard departed Molineux just days before the 2023/24 season started.
He and the club reached an agreement for him to leave, after he had grown tired of the financial situation.
Lopetegui had apparently felt the club had moved the goalposts on him regarding player incomings.
He informed sporting director Matt Hobbs he wanted to go straight after the pre-season friendly with Celtic.
He stayed in place while Wolves found a successor, who turned out to be Gary O’Neil. And apparently, he agreed to a smaller payout to help Wolves.
Some Wolves fans have been keeping an eye on the movements of Lopetegui since’s his exit, and now there is an update from Romano…
Julen Lopetegui waiting for Premier League opportunity
Yesterday evening, Romano gave some information about the current situation with Lopetegui.
The 56-year-is actually still in England at the moment, following his exit from Wolves one month ago.
He has recently been linked with the Villarreal job. And he was also said to be a target for Lyon after their poor start in Ligue 10.
But Romano reports there is a clear reason Lopetegui is still on these shores.
He said: “Julen Lopetegui wants to wait for new opportunity in Premier League despite Villarreal (Pacheta will be the new head coach) and OL links.
“Lopetegui, currently not keen on Liga or Ligue1 opportunity as he wants to stay in Premier League after Wolves experience.”
It will sting a bit to see Lopetegui managing another Premier League club
So Lopetegui really wants to remain in the Premier League.
And he cannot be blamed for that really. It is the best league on the world, with the best players.
Lopetegui’s stock is high after keeping Wolves in the Premier League and he probably will be considered by top clubs if a potential vacancy does come up.
There is zero chance of the City or Liverpool jobs.
Perhaps Newcastle could be one to keep an eye on. Eddie Howe has done great work at St. James’ Park, but he’s overseen a poor start. He has credit in the bank, but the pressure may well crank up soon.
Lopetegui obviously has Champions League experience, and he would no doubt like a big budget to work with after his time at Wolves.