---
title: "West Ham: Benitez rejects Irons approach"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-west-ham-rafael-benitez-david-moyes/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League News"
published: "2023-02-22T20:15:46Z"
modified: "2023-02-22T20:15:46Z"
---

# West Ham: Benitez rejects Irons approach

**[West Ham](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-news/) have now had an approach rejected for out-of-work boss Rafael Benitez as they sound out possible [David Moyes](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tag/david-moyes/) replacements.**

### The Lowdown: Hammers linked…

Moyes is facing increasing pressure on his position as West Ham fight for their [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) survival, even despite [heavy squad investment](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/west-ham-united/transfers/verein/379) since the summer of 2022.

West Ham currently [languish](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) in the relegation zone, having lost 13 games this season whilst scoring just 19 goals in that time.

Injuries have [played a major toll](https://www.premierinjuries.com/teams/west-ham-united) on Moyes’ success but supporters and the board arguably expected far more after last season’s real promise.

### The Latest: West Ham approach Benitez?

According to[6 foot 2.co.uk news editor Sean Whetstone](https://twitter.com/westhamfootball), as also seen on[Claret and Hugh](https://www.claretandhugh.info/author/seanwhetstone/), West Ham have in fact approached Benitez over the role amid[reports](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11773019/West-Ham-stick-Moyes-former-Liverpool-Everton-boss-Benitez-standby.html) he’s open to joining.

However, contrary to those claims, it appears West Ham have reached an impasse over the Spaniard after approaching him.

Whetstone explained via [Twitter:](https://twitter.com/westhamfootball/status/1627972438213492736)

*“He \[Benitez\] turned down an approach by West Ham through intermediaries about his short term availability, he is only interested in a long term contract I am told.”*

[![West Ham latest news](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cropped-david-moyes-premier-league-scaled-1.jpg)](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news-6/)

### The Verdict: Blow for West Ham?

If the Hammers hierarchy do decide to part company with Moyes so late in the season, it’s a blow for West Ham that Benitez isn’t open to joining on a short-term deal.

The decorated managerial veteran has won trophies galore in his time at the top level, including a Europa League triumph at Chelsea and Champions League honour with Liverpool [(Transfermarkt).](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rafael-benitez/profil/trainer/1522)

Of course, his latest stint at Everton was one to forget, but every other job he has undertaken in England can arguably be deemed a success in some way.

Benitez often [overachieved with Newcastle](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/newcastle-vs-chelsea-sarri-benitez-15069971) on a shoe-string budget and the 62-year-old would have arguably been a real stand-out candidate for the West Ham helm.