West Ham United can confirm that Xavi Valero will leave his role as men’s Goalkeeper Coach at the end of the season.
Valero will depart after seven years with the Hammers, during which time he was part of the Club’s UEFA Europa Conference League triumph in 2023. The 52-year-old was initially appointed by Manuel Pellegrini in the summer of 2018 and has since worked as a valued member of the backroom staff of David Moyes, Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter.
Under Valero’s guidance, Łukasz Fabiański was voted Hammer of the Year in his first season in 2018/19, while Alphonse Areola, David Martin and Darren Randolph have all impressed during his time at the Club. In Valero’s seven years in east London, the Hammers qualified for Europe three times, reaching the UEFA Europa League semi-finals and quarter-finals, either side of winning the Conference League in 2022/23.
The Spaniard has also worked closely with the Academy of Football in both recruitment and training, helping young goalkeepers Krisztián Hegyi, Lanre Awesu, Fin Herrick and Nathan Trott gain international recognition at age-group level. Off the pitch, he has also supported with administration and team management.
Valero said: “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.
“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.”
Head Coach Graham Potter said: “I would like to thank Xavi for his support and hard work in the time that I have been at the Club. 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.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to thank Xavi for his valuable contribution and service over the past seven years, and wish him and his family all the very best in the future.
