West Ham in crisis: Manager Nuno Santo faces the risk of being sacked for a second time.
With just two wins in 13 matches, the Portuguese manager's position at West Ham is under immense pressure as the team plummets into the relegation zone.
Pressure is mounting on Nuno Santo at London Stadium. Less than three months after being appointed to replace Graham Potter at the end of September, the Portuguese manager faces the prospect of being sacked for the second time in the same 2025/26 Premier League season. He had previously left Nottingham Forest due to disagreements with the club's management.
A disappointing start at London Stadium.
Despite signing a three-year contract with the expectation of bringing West Ham back to a position where they could compete for European qualification, Nuno Santo has yet to find a winning formula for the Hammers. Statistics show that he has only secured two wins in 13 matches in charge, a performance that has plunged the London team deeper into the relegation battle.
The recent 0-1 defeat against Fulham was a cold shower for Nuno's ambitions. Ironically, the only goal that beat West Ham was scored by Raul Jimenez – a striker who was once Nuno's favorite during his golden era at Wolves. This loss leaves West Ham stuck in 18th place in the league table, 5 points behind safety.
Transfer plans and the specter of dismissal
According to data from Give Me Sport, Nuno Santo is still trying to turn things around by targeting the January transfer window. He hopes to add at least one central midfielder, one defender, and one new striker. In particular, the manager hopes to reunite with his former pupil Adama Traore to strengthen the attack.
However, West Ham's management seems to be losing patience. Sources from journalist Ben Jacobs indicate the club is considering reappointing Slaven Bilic. The Croatian coach is no stranger to the club, having previously led West Ham to considerable success.
The return of an old flame?
Slaven Bilic helped West Ham finish 7th in the Premier League in the 2015/16 season, setting club records for both points and goals in a single season. After leaving Al Fateh in 2024, Bilic is currently a free agent and has made no secret of his intention to return to English football.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Bilic admitted he was very close to returning to London Stadium just before West Ham decided to sign Nuno Santo. With the team needing a fresh start to escape the relegation zone, Bilic's experience and insider knowledge made him a leading candidate if Nuno failed to improve their performance in the upcoming rounds.