West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has told Fox Sports Mexico that he’s pleased Raúl Jiménez is doing well at Fulham.
The striker played under Lopetegui at Wolverhampton Wanderers during the 2022/23 season, managing two goals and an assist from 16 games. He left Molineux for Fulham in July 2023.
Towards the end of his Wolves spell, the 33-year-old struggled with form and fitness, and it had impacted his game time and performances. He scored seven goals from 29 games for Marco Silva’s side last season.
The Mexico international has regained his past form this season, scoring four goals for Fulham, of which one was against West Ham. His performances have certainly pleased the Hammers boss.
“I already suffered him against Fulham; He scored the goal against us, and I spoke with him. Very happy because he is a top-level footballer.”
The Fulham player arrived in Europe when Atlético Madrid signed him from Club América in 2014. Since then, he’s had spells at Benfica, Wolves and is now at the London club.
The former Sevilla manager is delighted Jiménez stayed in the Premier League instead of a move to a less competitive league.
“Both physically and technically, he’s top, and with a mentality that has made him play for many years in the English league, when he could surely have opted for minor leagues,” Lopetegui explained.
“He has preferred to stay here, I think that is worthy of praise. It speaks a little about Raúl’s mentality.”
The frontman has a contract at Fulham lasting until the end of this season, with an option for another year.
