Nuno Espirito Santo in Talks With West Ham as Graham Potter Faces the Sack

The pressure is mounting at West Ham United after another dismal defeat plunged the club into the relegation zone — and now, it looks as though Graham Potter could pay the price. Reports suggest that Nuno Espirito Santo, the former Wolves and Nottingham Forest manager, has already held talks with the Hammers about potentially taking over at the London Stadium.

With the team struggling for points and confidence, the West Ham board is said to be weighing up its options ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.

Potter Under Serious Pressure at West Ham

For Graham Potter, this was never going to be an easy job. The former Chelsea boss arrived in east London with a reputation for playing attractive football and developing young players, but results have simply not gone his way.

Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace marked West Ham’s fourth loss in their last five Premier League matches, a run that has left them hovering dangerously close to the bottom three. Add to that an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to Wolves in the second round, and it’s easy to see why patience is running thin among fans and the board alike.

West Ham were booed off the pitch at full-time against Palace, with large sections of the London Stadium voicing their frustration. For Potter, the writing may already be on the wall — and according to reports, the Everton game on September 29 could be his last chance to turn things around.

Nuno Espirito Santo in Line for Premier League Return

One man waiting in the wings is Nuno Espirito Santo. The Portuguese coach left Nottingham Forest earlier this month after a breakdown in his working relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis, but he remains highly respected in English football circles.

Nuno’s track record in the Premier League is impressive. He guided Wolves to back-to-back seventh-place finishes after leading them to promotion from the Championship and built a side known for its tactical discipline, counter-attacking threat, and ability to frustrate top teams.

According to The Times, West Ham have already held preliminary talks with Nuno about taking over should Potter be dismissed. The idea of a quick return to the Premier League may appeal to the former goalkeeper, who is said to be keen on the right project.

Other Candidates on West Ham’s Shortlist

Nuno isn’t the only name in the frame. Reports suggest that Gary O’Neil — who impressed at Wolves last season by steering them clear of relegation — is also being considered.

Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, who managed the club from 2015 to 2017 and led them to a memorable seventh-place finish in their final season at Upton Park, is another potential candidate. His return would no doubt divide opinion among fans, but his emotional connection to the club could play in his favour.

Jose Mourinho, who was briefly linked with the job earlier this month, is no longer an option after taking charge of Benfica. Former Hammers scout Mick Brown had recommended Mourinho to the board, believing he could steady the ship and inject some much-needed steel into the team.

Everton Clash Could Seal Potter’s Fate

Nottingham Forest v West Ham United – Premier League Nuno in line to become new West Ham boss

The next fixture could prove decisive for Potter’s future. West Ham travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on September 29 — a game that already feels like a six-pointer given the Toffees’ own struggles.

A defeat could leave West Ham in the bottom three, and at that point, the board’s hand may be forced. A positive result, however, might just buy Potter some time, especially if the performance shows signs of progress.

West Ham’s Season at a Crossroads

West Ham’s struggles this season are not just about results — performances have been disjointed and uninspiring. Goals have been hard to come by, with the attack lacking the cutting edge needed to turn possession into points. The defence, meanwhile, has looked fragile, conceding cheap goals at crucial moments.

Fans have grown increasingly restless, not only with results but with what they perceive as a lack of identity on the pitch. Potter was hired to bring a clear playing style to the club, but so far, that vision has yet to materialise.

Why Nuno Could Be the Right Fit

If Nuno does get the job, he would inherit a squad with talent but one that clearly needs reshaping. His pragmatic, organised style of football could be exactly what West Ham need to stop the bleeding and climb away from danger.

His Wolves teams were known for their compact shape, strong defensive record, and devastating counter-attacks — qualities that could suit West Ham’s current squad. With players like Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus capable of breaking at speed, Nuno might be able to get immediate results while steadying the club’s season.

What Happens Next

For now, Potter remains in charge and will prepare his side for the Everton trip knowing that his future is very much on the line. Behind the scenes, though, West Ham appear to be preparing for change.

Whether it’s Nuno Espirito Santo or another name from the shortlist, it feels increasingly likely that the Hammers will have a new manager in the dugout sooner rather than later. The question now is whether Potter can deliver one last statement performance to convince the board he deserves more time.