West Ham are very keen to lure Paulo Fonseca away from Lille as a replacement for David Moyes this summer.
The Portuguese tactician – according to the Guardian – is a target for the east Londoners, with 90min claiming that Moyes is expected to depart the London Stadium at the end of the season.
After those stories emerged, an article from But! Football Club in France added that West Ham have even made him their No.1 target.
Now, the Hammers will presumably be even more determined to hire Paulo Fonseca as he receives recognition for his efforts.
What’s the story?
Well, the 50-year-old has now been nominated for the Ligue 1 Manager of the Season award.
Fonseca has enjoyed a fantastic debut campaign at Lille after taking over from Jocelyn Gourvennec in June 2022.
The Mozambique-born tactician currently has Lille sat fifth in Ligue 1 following a tenth-place finish last season, and has done so by introducing an exciting, attacking style focused around some very bright talent.
Fonseca has got the best out of gems such as Jonathan David, Timothy Weah and Angel Gomes, with Lille now likely to at least qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
Igor Tudor of Marseille, Clement boss Pascal Gastien, Franck Haise of RC Lens and Toulouse manager Philippe Montanier have also been nominated.
Fonseca would be an excellent appointment by West Ham
In our view, it will be tough for West Ham to lure Fonseca away from Lille after just one season with the French outfit.
However, if the Irons can pull an agreement off, then it would be an excellent move.
Fonseca had proven himself across spells at Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Roma before his impressive season at Lille, so there is enough to suggest this campaign is not just a series of fortunate events.
The Portuguese tactician can blend young talent in with experienced heads, and as West Ham look to kick on from the platform built by Moyes, he would be a sensible appointment.
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