West Ham United officials are holding discussions on Monday, May 25, 2026, with manager Nuno Espirito Santo regarding his future.
The Portuguese coach is widely expected to leave the club after their relegation from the Premier League.
The club fell into the Championship despite a final-day victory over Leeds United.
They concluded the season with 39 points, which Sky Sports reported as the highest points total for a relegated top-flight team in 15 years.
A specific clause in the three-year contract of the former Nottingham Forest manager allows West Ham to terminate his deal without paying compensation due to the relegation.
The clause also permits Nuno to walk away freely.
Nuno took charge at the London Stadium last September after the dismissal of Graham Potter.
He subsequently won 12 of his 37 matches, but club sources indicated he is unlikely to stay amid player dissatisfaction with his training methods and team selections.
The manager expressed his immediate reaction to the club's relegation on the final day of the season. "Tough day for us.
We knew it would be difficult and we did our part but it did not happen," said Nuno.
The head coach highlighted the emotional impact of the relegation on the squad after the final match. "The moment is to just feel this sadness.
We had a tough mission and the boys tried it.
I wish things could be different for our future but at least we finish with dignity," said Nuno.
He noted that despite the positive aspects of their performances, the current situation remains difficult to process. "It doesn't take away the sadness.
We did many good things, but now it is tough to look back and analyse.
I just spoke with the boys, we are all sad going through this period," said Nuno.
Former defender Gary Neville discussed the immediate contractual priorities for the club on his podcast following the team's relegation.
"By the end of the week, you want to try and lock Jarrod Bowen in with a big contract to stay, which will be difficult because they are going to lose a lot of revenue this year," said Neville.
Neville outlined how securing key players could help steady the club during the transition to the Championship.
"That then stabilises the dressing room potentially and stabilises the fanbase somewhat from where they will be tonight which is absolutely desperately disappointed," said Neville.
He emphasized that the club has the underlying stature and historical revenue to manage the transition effectively. "Those two are really important.
Lock those in. You've also got Summerville, Soucek, Fernandes.
I like the two centre-forwards, they're a handful," said Neville.
Neville pointed out that while rival top-flight teams will target West Ham's squad, the institution remains robust due to past campaigns.
"There are players there who will be sought after by other Premier League clubs. If you're West Ham, you're big enough club.
You've had enough years of Premier League revenue. You've had European success," said Neville.
The pundit stressed that strategic planning and immediate communication are vital for the hierarchy moving forward. "It's about stabilising beyond this.
They have probably planned for this for a number of weeks. You'd have to, not just financially but also because of resources and personnel," said Neville.
He concluded his analysis by focusing on the public relations steps the club needs to take.
"It's important they get some good PR messages out there quite quickly," said Neville.
According to reports from The Guardian, West Ham co-owner David Sullivan is minded to make a change.
Former Burnley manager Scott Parker and Strasbourg's Gary O'Neil have been identified as potential candidates if Nuno departs.
