Lopetegui pushes West Ham to acquire £33 million Spain midfielder

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui is reportedly urging the club’s board to make a move for Real Sociedad attacking midfielder Brais Mendez in the January transfer window. The Spanish coach sees Mendez as a priority target to strengthen the squad as he looks to secure his position and guide the team up the Premier League table.

After narrowly avoiding dismissal following West Ham’s recent win over Wolves, Lopetegui is under pressure to maintain improved form. The team drew 1-1 with Bournemouth in their last match, but face a tough test against Brighton at home on Saturday.

According to reports from Spain, Lopetegui has personally identified Mendez as a key target and asked West Ham’s board to pursue a deal. The 26-year-old Spain international is valued at around £33 million by Transfermarkt.

Real Sociedad are reluctant to sell a star player mid-season, but may consider offers close to their valuation. Mendez has contributed 3 goals and 3 assists in 21 appearances this season, playing both wide and centrally.

Lopetegui sees Mendez as an important addition to boost West Ham’s European qualification hopes. The player’s future could be decided in the coming weeks, with a move to London viewed as a strong possibility given the manager’s interest.

While the transfer fee would be significant, Lopetegui believes Mendez’s versatility and creativity could be vital in lifting West Ham up the table in the second half of the season. The board will now have to weigh up whether to sanction a big-money move for the Spanish midfielder in January.