It is not just in the playing department where changes will be made at West Ham United following a dismal Premier League campaign.
A fortnight after West Ham confirmed the departures of four highly-experienced players – Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings will not see their contracts renewed – another long-serving employee announced his impending exit.
Xavi Valero joined West Ham United as the club’s goalkeeping coach all the way back in June 2018.
The one-time Wrexham glovesman initially formed part of Manuel Pellegrini’s backroom staff at the London Stadium before going on to work closely with David Moyes, Julen Lopetegui and eventually Graham Potter.
A well-respected presence behind the scenes, the 52-year-old Spaniard proved to be a key figure not only on the training pitch but also when it came to recruitment. Xavi Valero was integral to Alphonse Areola’s arrival at the London Stadium, helping convince Moyes that the Frenchman was the right man to challenge Fabianski for the starting role.
Four years on, reports claiming Espanyol want to take Areola back to Spain suggest that both men could end up departing within weeks of each other in the very same summer.
A summer which could yet develop into a substantial, and arguably overdue, rebuilding of West Ham on and off the pitch.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Graham Potter says farewell as Xavi Valero leaves West Ham United
Via West Ham’s official website, ahead of Sunday’s final day trip to Ipswich Town, Valero confirmed his departure as he packs up his belongings and his memories and heads for the exit door.
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“It is with great sadness that I leave West Ham United, but also with great pride and appreciation for the experience of the last seven years,” says Valero, the Conference League final victory over Fiorentina obviously the stand-out moment.
“Some memories will stay with me always. The magical night at London Stadium against Sevilla and that unforgettable evening in Prague. Moments like that ensure a connection to the Club forever.
“I’m truly grateful for the time I have been given to share with the West Ham family, which is now my own. I leave east London proud of what I have contributed and wishing the Club the very best in the future.”
West Ham United can confirm that Xavi Valero will leave his role as men’s Goalkeeper Coach at the end of the season.
Thank you, Xavi! ⚒
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 23, 2025
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Valero’s impressive CV reads like a who’s who of European powerhouses. He worked under Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, Napoli and Inter Milan before joining forces with the aforementioned Pellegrini at Real Madrid. Valero also had a spell in China with Hebei FC.
“I would like to thank Xavi for his support and hard work in the time that I have been at the Club,” a grateful Potter says in his own farewell message. “He is a superb professional and has given great service to West Ham United over a considerable period.
“We wish him every success in his next chapter.”
Aaron Ramsdale linked as West Ham move on Lukasz Fabianski
West Ham will not, therefore, have Valero’s experience to lean upon in their pursuit of a new number one goalkeeper this summer.
Suggestions that Potter could bring in Southampton’s England international Aaron Ramsdale has divided the fans. Ramsdale has, of course, suffered relegation from the Premier League now on three separate occasions.
Coaimhin Kelleher, Liverpool’s uber-reliable understudy, feels – quite literally – like a much safer pair of hands.
In the meantime, the aforementioned Lukasz Fabianski has turned down a return to Poland with former employers Legia Warsaw. Ex-Arsenal glovesman Fabianski hopes to stay in London, though it remains to be seen which offers come the 40-year-old’s way.