Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville, Spain - October 5, 2022. Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui and Papu Gomez react.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are ‘back in talks’ with Julen Lopetegui regarding their Premier League managerial vacancy, according to journalist Liam Keen.
The Lowdown: A saga for the ages
Fosun had identified the 56-year-old as their number one target to replace Bruno Lage following his sacking last month, but the former Sevilla boss turned down the opportunity to join due to personal reasons.
Chairman Jeff Shi later released a statement revealing that Steve Davis would remain in charge until 2023 whilst the hunt for a new coach was put on hold, though a remarkable development has now emerged in the last 48 hours.
The Latest: Wolves deal close
Taking to Twitter, Keen confirms that Wolves have now re-entered negotiations to appoint Lopetegui, with an agreement potentially set to be reached prior to the international break.
“Incredible how football works out…Wolves are back in talks with Julen Lopetegui. It’s progressing well and Wolves are hopeful of appointing him before the World Cup break.”
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The Verdict: Massive coup?
Should Lopetegui agree to make the move to Molineux, it would be a massive coup for the Old Gold, not only because they tried to land him before but also given his impressive track record.
The Spaniard won 90 and drew 44 of his 170 matches in charge at Sevilla, averaging 1.85 points per match, not forgetting that he led his side to the Europa League trophy in 2019/20.
This is exactly the level of consistency and pedigree that Wolves need to bring to the club, and the sooner he’s hired, the more chance he’ll have of being able to turn the side’s form around.
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