The signings of Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe may have put West Ham United in an impossible situation over Nuno Espirito Santo.
Indeed, West Ham United made a promising start to the January transfer window by bringing in both players to strengthen their attacking line.
Castellanos is already off the mark in claret and blue, having scored the winner against QPR in extra-time during last Sunday’s FA Cup game. Pablo, meanwhile, has impressed in flashes.
How many more signings do we need to make for you to feel confident about staying up?! 🤔
Still an awful lot of work to do…
It was a show of faith from the club’s ownership to back Nuno with new signings amid doubts about his long-term future at the club.
Though not a reflection on either of them as players, however, it has played into what one source has described as an impossible situation.
West Ham source speaks about transfer business under Nuno
According to a recent report from iNews, majority shareholder David Sullivan has ignored advisors who have previously told him to part ways with Nuno.
The 51-year-old has claimed only three wins in 17 games since replacing Graham Potter but Sullivan instead chose to back him with two signings.
Nuno pushed for both forwards and is thought to have snubbed the chance to move for other players, while also telling Callum Wilson he could leave the club.
Would you take relegation if it meant that David Sullivan would leave?! 🤔
Not a nice position to be in – but what would YOU choose if you had to?
The problem for West Ham, however, is that they’ve lost both Premier League games since deciding to back Nuno.
The first defeat came against Wolves and the second – during which both players made their debuts – was against another relegation rival in the form of Nottingham Forest.
Speaking to the news outlet, one source said: “We’ve got ourselves into an impossible situation.
“The board wanted to back the manager and have brought in his main transfer targets, but after losing two key games the future remains uncertain.”
How long does Nuno have left at West Ham United?
It does seem strange to back a manager who has thus far done little to suggest he can yield any improvements out of the squad.
Particularly when the likes of Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian has suggested sources close to the situation believe Nuno could be sacked if his side lose to Tottenham on Saturday.
Backing him with two new players of his own choice and then deciding to part ways would be a very strange decision to make, although those in charge of West Ham are no strangers to that.
Perhaps both forwards will prove to be great signings. They have not arrived at an ideal time, however.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
