West Ham are set to end the doubts over David Moyes’s future by rewarding the manager with a new two-and-a-half-year deal.
Moyes’s current contract expires at the end of the season and there has previously been little indication that the club would look to extend his stay. However recent performances have altered the mood at the London Stadium, with West Ham rising to sixth after securing consecutive 2-0 victories, at home against Manchester United and then at Arsenal.
Moyes can also point to bringing West Ham their first trophy in 43 years when he won the Europa Conference League last season, while they are also through to the last 16 of the Europa League.
However the Scot has been under pressure for more than a year and came close to being sacked on several occasions last season. He has been criticised for a pragmatic style of play, although he has retained a good relationship with the board.
All sides have remained relaxed over the situation, with Moyes repeatedly saying he is happy to wait until the new year to hold talks over a new deal. West Ham, however, are prepared to back him with an extension that would run until the end of the 2025-26 campaign. Moyes has given them stability since returning to the club and saving them from relegation four years ago. This is their third consecutive campaign in Europe and they have recovered well from losing Declan Rice to Arsenal.
Although there was tension between Moyes and the club’s new technical director, Tim Steidten, last summer, West Ham’s signings have settled well. Mohammed Kudus has impressed in attack and James Ward-Prowse and Edson Álvarez have been solid in midfield. Konstantinos Mavrapanos, the Greek defender, scored against his former club Arsenal.
Moyes suggested this month that the uncertainty over his situation could be a distraction for his players. He has remained motivated, though, and can take satisfaction from his team sitting above Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea in the table.
Asked about his contract after the win at Arsenal, Moyes said: “There’s plenty of time to talk about that. We’re not in any great rush. We can get that done when we’re ready. I’m enjoying my time.”
Lucas Paquetá will undergo a scan on a knee injury after limping off against Arsenal. West Ham are hopeful that the problem is not serious.
