AliousWest Ham Edge Closer to Appointing Nuno Espirito Santo as Potter’s Struggles Continue
West Ham United are reportedly closing in on the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo as pressure mounts on current boss Graham Potter after a dreadful start to the Premier League campaign.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Hammers have intensified talks with the Portuguese coach as they consider making a swift managerial change.
The London club sit second-bottom of the table with just one win from their opening five matches, prompting serious questions about Potter’s short reign.
Potter’s Difficult Spell
Since replacing David Moyes in January 2025, Potter has failed to inspire a turnaround in fortunes.
The former Brighton and Chelsea manager has collected just six wins in 25 games, averaging under a point per match.
Even more concerning for supporters, West Ham have yet to celebrate a home league victory under his stewardship since February, with their only triumph this season coming away at Nottingham Forest.
Nuno in the Frame
Espirito Santo, recently dismissed by Forest just three games into the new season, has quickly emerged as the leading candidate for the London Stadium role.
Despite his abrupt exit, the 51-year-old earned widespread praise for guiding Forest to Premier League safety in 2024 and then securing an impressive seventh-place finish last season, bringing European football back to the City Ground for the first time in nearly three decades.
The former Wolves and Tottenham manager has a strong track record in English football, with his man-management and tactical adaptability often highlighted as key strengths.
Nixon reports that negotiations are advancing, and West Ham chiefs now view him as the frontrunner to succeed Potter.
Fractures at Forest, Opportunity at West Ham
Tensions between Espirito Santo and Forest’s hierarchy contributed to his downfall, with the coach openly admitting to strained relations with owner Evangelos Marinakis and expressing frustration at recruitment decisions.
Those disagreements ultimately left him vulnerable, despite his “incredible” achievements in charge.
For West Ham, however, his availability presents a timely solution. The Hammers currently boast the league’s worst defensive record, conceding 13 goals in just five matches, and desperately need stability before back-to-back away trips to Everton and Arsenal.
With Potter under immense pressure and Espirito Santo waiting in the wings, the east London club could be on the brink of making a decisive change in the dugout.
Alious
