West Ham have confirmed that David Moyes will leave his role as manager at the end of the season.
The Hammers have been actively looking for replacements with Julen Lopetegui primed to take over.
West Ham announced the news on Monday, saying the decision had been mutual with Moyes out of contract this summer.
The confirmation came as news emerged that former Spain, Real Madrid and Wolves boss Lopetegui had verbally agreed a deal to take over.
“I have enjoyed four-and-a-half brilliant years at West Ham and the club is in a stronger position than when I returned back in 2019,” Moyes said in a statement on the West Ham website.
“When I joined West Ham for a second time, the club was one place above the relegation zone, and it has been a terrific journey to have achieved three consecutive seasons in Europe.
“After leading the club to safety, we guided the team to finishes of sixth and seventh in the Premier League, and I was delighted when we won the Europa Conference League title last June – the club’s first major trophy in 43 years.
“I would like to thank all the players for their support, and all the success they have achieved, over the last four-and-a-half years.”
The Scotsman has been with West Ham since 2019, winning them the Europa Conference League last season and guiding them on Europa League runs this term and the 2021/22 season.
It is his second stint with the east London side, having coached them during the 2017/18 season before returning just over a year later to save them from peril.
Under Manuel Pellegrini, West Ham looked in danger of being relegated but they are now challengers for European spots with the club currently ninth.
However, fans have been upset with the club’s style of play this season.
Pressure has ramped up on Moyes in recent weeks, particularly after a heavy 5-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.
It has been a miserable 2024 for West Ham, who have won just three Premier League games out of 17 since January 1.
There had been friction within the camp with sporting director Tim Steidten being told to stay away from the dressing room amid his search for a successor.
Several names had been linked with the Hammers job including Sporting boss Ruben Amorim and Lille manager Paulo Fonseca.
But Lopetegui appears to be the next in line at the London Stadium, a year after resigning from Wolves on the cusp of the new season.
In a statement, West Ham said the recruitment process for Moyes’ successor had begun, but they would be “making no further comment until a new appointment is confirmed”.
West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan offered “sincere thanks and gratitude” for Moyes’ efforts in the job.
“David has been responsible for a period of great progress and success in our history and we are extremely grateful for all of his hard work, commitment and dedication to the role,” Sullivan said.
“David has been an absolute professional to work with and he will leave with our greatest respect and good wishes – he deserves to be held in the highest esteem for the service he has given to West Ham United and we wish him every success in the future.
“By making this announcement now, it allows David to get the send-off he deserves from the West Ham supporters and for us all to show our appreciation to him at our final home fixture of the season against Luton Town on Saturday.”