Nuno Espirito Santo appears to have responded to a dig from a West Ham star in the most brutal way possible — by authorising a £10million bid that puts his future in doubt.
With West Ham struggling and Nuno Espirito Santo failing, as yet, to turn around the sinking ship – the usual stories of unrest are starting to emerge.
It happened to David Moyes, Julen Lopetegui, Tim Steidten and Graham Potter.
Now it is happening to Nuno too.
Going without a win for nine games in the Premier League will always bring pressure, no matter who the manager or club.
It is the price on the ticket and that is exactly what has happened with Nuno at West Ham.
Leaks claim West Ham stars are unhappy with Nuno
That makes the six-pointer against Nottingham Forest even more crucial.
But the match comes against the backdrop of journalist Jacob Steinberg claiming Nuno is in danger of losing the support of West Ham’s squad.
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Writing on The Guardian, the reporter – who boasts strong contacts at West Ham – says players have concerns over Nuno’s man-management, team selections and tactics.
Steinberg also claims Nuno has barely spoken to some players since arriving and that West Ham stars are confused by his training methods.
The leak accuses Nuno of being ‘distant and uncommunicative on a day-to-day basis’.
The West Ham board have taken a strong stance against claims the players dislike Nuno in the wake of Steinberg’s revelations.
Reports Callum Wilson is demanding to leave amid a fall-out with the head coach and comments from Alphonse Areola in the wake of the Wolves debacle have not helped dampen speculation either.
Now Nuno has responded to a West Ham star’s dig in the most brutal way possible – by sanctioning a new £10m transfer move.
Whether intended as a statement and indictment on the West Ham star’s future, the timing alone will raise eyebrows.
Nuno responds to Areola’s dig in most brutal way possible
And it seems to be a clear show of authority from the manager amid the reported tensions behind the scenes.
Areola has been one of West Ham’s better players under Nuno.
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Although there have still been some costly mistakes – such as the one against Brighton recently – the French ‘keeper has returned to something like his best form under a manager who was a Champions League-winning goalkeeper himself as a player.
Areola questioned Nuno’s setup for West Ham’s defeat to Wolves, which is being labelled one of the worst Premier League performances of all-time by the likes of Alan Shearer.
In his post-match assessment, Areola suggested Nuno did not have the team ready for the game.
Nuno has addressed the situation regarding Wilson head on in his pre-Forest press conference.
The Hammers boss said that he and the striker had held honest talks where it was made clear to Wilson he will be down the pecking order following the arrivals of Pablo and Taty Castellanos.
With Areola, though, the response comes in the form of Nuno making a move for a brand new number one goalkeeper.
According to leading Saudi news outlet Arriyadiyah, West Ham have submitted an official bid to Al Nassr for goalkeeper Bento Matheus.
Nuno orders West Ham move for Brazil goalkeeper Bento
The Hammers reportedly want to sign the 26-year-old Brazilian on loan with an option to buy for £10m.
Bento has made just one Saudi Pro League appearance for Al Nassr in the 2025/26 season, starting and playing the full 90 minutes.
In that match he kept a clean sheet and recorded three saves without conceding a goal, demonstrating a positive start to his campaign between the posts.
Given his lack of minutes – and desire to maintain a place in the Brazil squad – Bento is said to be open to the move.
But it would surely be bad news for Areola, especially in the wake of him appearing to question the manager after the club’s worst performance for nearly two decades.
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