West Ham Eyes Nuno Espírito Santo to Replace Potter

Key Points

• West Ham United is considering Portuguese manager Nuno Espírito Santo as a potential replacement for current manager Graham Potter.
• The club finds itself struggling in the relegation zone with only three points from four games in the 2025/26 Premier League season.
• Nuno, 51, was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest despite guiding them to a European qualification finish in the previous season.
• The managerial decision is still in early stages, with West Ham contemplating options depending on Potter’s future at the club.
• Nuno has Premier League experience with Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur, and Nottingham Forest and is highly regarded for stabilising and improving teams.
• Reports emphasize a poor working relationship between Nuno and Nottingham Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis and football director Edu as a factor in his dismissal.
• Various media sources including The Hard Tackle’s Alan Nixon, Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, West Ham Zone, and The Chosun Ilbo have covered this development.

What Is the Current Situation at West Ham United Regarding Graham Potter?

As Alan Nixon of The Hard Tackle reported on 14 September 2025, West Ham United is weighing their options after a dreadful start to the season, currently languishing in the relegation zone and accumulating only three points in four games. Nixon noted that West Ham may part ways with Graham Potter in the coming weeks, with Nuno Espírito Santo emerging as a considered candidate to take over managerial duties if that happens: “West Ham may turn to 51-year-old Portuguese tactician Nuno Espirito Santo to replace Graham Potter if they decide to part ways with the former Chelsea manager”.

West Ham has struggled to galvanise their squad under Potter, who has won just six of his 24 games in charge so far. The pressure on the former Chelsea boss is intensifying as the team’s defensive frailties continue to be exposed in the 2025/26 campaign.

Who Is Nuno Espírito Santo and What Has Been His Recent Managerial Journey?

Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, writing for SportBible, detailed on 14 September that Nuno’s recent managerial stint ended abruptly: “Nuno was sacked by Nottingham Forest just weeks into the new season despite signing a contract extension until 2028”. The dismissal came amid reported tensions with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and the global head of football Edu. O’Rourke added that Nuno had helped Forest finish seventh in the Premier League last season, securing European qualification for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Before Forest, Nuno had significant Premier League spells with Wolverhampton Wanderers — where he earned accolades for leading the club from the Championship to top-flight success — and a brief tenure at Tottenham Hotspur. He also managed in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad before returning to English football.

Why Is Nuno Espírito Santo Being Considered by West Ham?

West Ham’s interest in Nuno is linked largely to their defensive struggles and poor start, which contrasts with Nuno’s reputation for creating solid, competitive teams. As West Ham Zone highlighted on 13 September, “Nuno Espirito Santo would significantly improve West Ham in an area Graham Potter has struggled — defensively”.

West Ham has conceded 11 goals in just four league matches this season, and the calls for a managerial change have grown louder following heavy defeats, notably a harsh loss to Tottenham. The defensive organisation instilled by Nuno at Nottingham Forest, including astute signings like Nikola Milenkovic, is viewed as a model West Ham could benefit from.

How Have Media Outlets Reported on West Ham’s Managerial Considerations?

According to The Chosun Ilbo’s Noh Hyun-woo, West Ham is seriously considering Nuno as a managerial candidate “amid growing pressure on Graham Potter”. BBC Sport’s Monday gossip column by Alan Nixon corroborated this, stating that West Ham is contemplating an approach for Nuno if they dismiss Potter.

Social media reports, notably from West Ham fan accounts, have also amplified rumours of the club eyeing Nuno as a potential new boss, emphasising the story’s growing circulation in football circles.

What Are the Challenges and Opportunities for West Ham If They Appoint Nuno?

Appointing Nuno would be West Ham’s decisive bid to arrest their slide and restore structure to the team. His track record includes guiding Wolves to club-record Premier League finishes and helping Nottingham Forest regain stability and European qualification.

The project would demand that Nuno quickly adapt to West Ham’s squad dynamics and instil discipline, especially on defence. His experience at mid-table and struggling Premier League sides gives him a reputed ability to steady turbulent teams.

However, Nuno’s departure from Forest amidst internal tensions raises questions about how he would handle relationships in a demanding managerial environment.

What Is Graham Potter’s Prospective Future at West Ham?

The club is currently evaluating Potter’s future closely. As reported by several sources, should results fail to improve swiftly, the club may opt to terminate his contract. West Ham’s board and fans are anticipating an official decision in the coming weeks as the club assesses the path to avoid relegation danger.

What Is the Wider Context in the Premier League Managerial Market?

Managerial moves are not isolated, with other Premier League clubs also under scrutiny early in the 2025/26 season. Alan Nixon reported interest from other clubs in various players and managerial candidates, indicating a high level of activity and quick decisions across the league.