- The Hammers are back in the relegation zone following defeat in their last outing against Brentford
- Nuno Espírito Santo’s three-year deal only valid in the Premier League
- Santo is commited to club regardless of end-of-season status
Doubts have been firmly cast on the future of the entire West Ham United organization in the past week, with relegation for the first time since 2011 a distinct possibility.
The Hammers are 18th in the Premier League, one point behind Tottenham Hotspur, who hold onto the final safety position with three games to go.
Relegation from the English top-flight could not just impact the playing squad, with a number of players already attracting interest, but could spell the end to the current management team, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s future taking a fresh twist.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s contract only valid in Premier League
Upon arrival in September 2025, Santo signed a three-year deal, and given the situation the club finds itself in, the details of that contract have gradually revealed themselves. According to Claret and Hugh, the Portuguese’s stay hinges on the outcome of the club’s survival bid.
“Nuno has no contract if the club get relegated. He only has one for the Premier League, so he will be gone,” revealed one of the publication’s top transfer sources.
The news comes after it was reported by the Telegraph that the former Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers boss is committed to the West Ham project and wants to remain with the club, even if it means trying to bring them back from the Championship.
Santo has undeniable success in England’s second tier after winning the Championship with Wolves in 2018.
Nuno Espírito Santo West Ham Record 25/26 Statistics
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Loses | Goals For | Goals Against |
| 34 | 11 | 9 | 14 | 40 | 50 |
What’s next for West Ham?
As it stands, West Ham have a right to remain hopeful that they will be a Premier League club next season. The Irons face Arsenal on Sunday at home before visiting Newcastle United the following week and then hosting Leeds United on the final day.
Their direct division rivals Tottenham also have a similar schedule, with Leeds, Chelsea and Everton to come.
Nothing is decided yet, but Santo was brought in to deliver at times like this; if he truly wants to remain at the club, it looks likely he will have to keep it up.
