LOPPED OFF Premier League manager ‘set to leave BEFORE season starts as replacement already lined up’
THE Premier League could be about to have its first managerial departure of the season BEFORE a ball has even been kicked.
Posted Tuesday, August 08, 2023 by Thesun.co.uk
That is because reports have indicated Gary O'Neil may take over at Wolves.
Gary O'Neil is 'likely' to be considered for the Wolves manager role Credit: Getty
Julen Lopetegui is frustrated with the club's lack of signings Credit: PA
According to talkSPORT's Alex Crook, the former Bournemouth boss is being considered for the position, with incumbent Julen Lopetegui "likely" to walk away from his role at the club.
Wolves have struggled to sign any new names this window.
And Lopetegui's patience seems to have snapped after losing out to Bournemouth in the race to sign No1 target Alex Scott.
The Cherries reportedly saw a £25million bid accepted for the Bristol City star last week.
Wolves saw two bids for the "Guernsey Grealish" rejected before Bournemouth submitted their offer which was equal to City's asking price.
Cash-strapped Wolves have seen a host of big stars leave Molineux this summer.
The likes of Ruben Neves, Nathan Collins, Conor Coady and Raul Jimenez have all been allowed to depart for a total of £84million.
Other stars such as Adama Traore, Diego Costa and Joao Moutinho have left for nothing.
The only incoming transfers they have made have seen the loans of Matheus Cunha and Boubacar Traore made permanent, while Matt Doherty and Tom King have joined on free transfers.
Lopetegui, 56, blasted the club's business at the end of July, fuming: "It is not just for me, but for the sporting director, a big disappointment."
Having finished 13th last year, Lopetegui asked the board for assurances over player acquisitions.
And disappointed by the lack of arrivals, the ex-Real Madrid boss added: "It was bad news for me.
"I tried in the summer. This summer was plan A.
"We went to a plan B, trying to think about cost-effective players, but it’s true at the moment we can’t develop this plan, too."
O'Neil's stock rose considerably during his time in charge of Bournemouth last season.
The 40-year-old, who has been replaced by Andoni Iraola on the South Coast, guided the team to safety with four points to spare but was surprisingly sacked at the end of the season.
Bournemouth's owner and chairman Bill Foley explained: "Gary's achievement last season is one I will always be grateful for.
"This has been a difficult decision, but it has been made with great consideration to best position ourselves ahead of the coming season.
"We have identified a number of significant targets in the transfer market this summer and believe this change in direction will provide us with the best platform from which to build.
"Gary will go on to have a long career as a head coach or manager, but we feel that, at this moment in time, a change is in the best interests of this football club.
"I would like to place on record my thanks to Gary and wish him all the best for the future."
Wolves kick off their Prem campaign with a trip to Manchester United on Monday evening.
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