West Ham have announced former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini as their new first team manager on a three-year deal.
The Hammers opted against renewing David Moyes’ contract at the end of the season but have acted quickly in getting a new permanent manager.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez was in the running to succeed Moyes, but West Ham have now turned to former Premier League winner Pellegrini.
“I am delighted to welcome Manuel Pellegrini to West Ham United,” co-chairman David Sullivan told the club’s official website. “He is one of the world’s most respected football coaches and we look forward to working with him.
“It was important that we appointed someone with knowledge and experience of the Premier League, who already has an understanding – not only of the teams and players we face – but of West Ham United and our ambitions.
“Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players. We believe he will attract new talent to London Stadium as well as improving the current squad.”
Pellegrini returns to the Premier League for the first time since leaving City in 2016 when he guided the Blues to fourth place.
The Chilean has spent the last two years in China managing Hebei China Fortune.
Hebei CFFC have made a poor start to the season, languishing 10th in a 16-team league after 11 matches. In two years in China, Pellegrini has an underwhelming win rate of 41.2%.
