West Ham United are edging closer to parting ways with under-fire manager Graham Potter following a string of poor performances, including Saturday’s disheartening 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace. With the club now sitting in the relegation zone and fan unrest growing, the board is reportedly in active talks with potential successors—most notably former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Nuno Espirito Santo in Talks to Replace Potter
According to The Times, West Ham have opened discussions with Nuno Espirito Santo as a potential replacement for Graham Potter. The Portuguese coach, recently dismissed by Nottingham Forest, is seen as a strong candidate due to his Premier League experience and past success.
Nuno guided Forest to a seventh-place finish last season, securing European football. However, a breakdown in his relationship with Forest’s Global Head of Football, Edu, led to his abrupt departure this month. Now a free agent, Nuno is believed to be keen on a swift return to top-flight management—and West Ham could offer him that opportunity.
Potter on the Brink as Fan Frustration Grows
Saturday’s defeat at home to Crystal Palace marked West Ham’s fifth loss in six games, leaving the club 18th in the Premier League standings. Supporters voiced their discontent with chants of “sell the board” and “we want our club back,” creating a tense atmosphere at the London Stadium.
Despite the growing pressure, Potter remained defiant post-match.
“Of course I believe we can turn it around,” he said. “This is part and parcel of the job. We’re not where we want to be, but we have to stick together and find solutions.”
When asked if he still felt supported by the board, Potter responded, “I’ve no reason to think not. The support has been there from the club and the fans, but I understand the environment we’re in.”
Other Candidates Waiting in the Wings
While Nuno is the frontrunner, West Ham are also considering other managerial options should negotiations fall through. Two notable names reportedly interested in the role are Gary O’Neil and Slaven Bilic.
O’Neil has been without a club since his dismissal from Wolves in late 2024, while Bilic, who previously managed the Hammers from 2015 to 2017, is also open to a return. Both bring Premier League experience and are currently available, adding to the urgency of the club’s decision-making process.
What Went Wrong Against Palace?
Analyzing Saturday’s defeat, Potter expressed disappointment in his team’s defensive frailties and inability to maintain control.
“We started well but allowed them to find passes through us too easily,” he admitted. “That destabilized us. We tried to adjust and the second-half response was strong, but ultimately, we conceded a goal at a critical moment and couldn’t recover.”
The defeat further highlighted West Ham’s ongoing issues on the pitch—issues that could soon lead to a managerial change if results don’t improve swiftly.
