November 13, 2025
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“I was close…”: Former West Ham boss reveals he was nearly reappointed as manager ahead of Nuno Espirito Santo

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Barnaby Lane
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West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo. (REUTERS/Tony O Brien)
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo. (REUTERS/Tony O Brien)

When Nuno Espírito Santo was appointed West Ham United manager in September, few realised just how different things might have been.

The Portuguese coach took over following Graham Potter’s poor start to the season — just one win from his opening eight Premier League games — and has since steadied the ship, guiding the Hammers to back-to-back victories over Newcastle United and Burnley.

However, it turns out Nuno wasn’t the only name seriously considered for the job.

Bilic: “I Was Close…”

Slaven Bilic. (Reuters/Tony O'Brien)
Slaven Bilic. (Reuters/Tony O’Brien)

Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has revealed that he came close to returning to the club before Nuno was appointed.

The Croatian, who played for West Ham between 1996 and 1997 and later managed the side from 2015 to 2017, remains a popular figure among fans after leading the team to a memorable seventh-place finish in the final season at Upton Park.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Bilic confirmed that discussions had taken place about a sensational return to east London.

“There was a bit, yeah, there was a bit,” Bilic admitted when asked about a potential comeback.

“I was close or whatever, but I didn’t get the job. They got Nuno, who was a top manager and who’d done a great job at Wolves, not to mention Forest.”

Despite missing out, Bilic was full of praise for his successor, adding: “He is a top manager and I think they’re gonna be okay this season.”

Bilic, who was sacked by West Ham in November 2017 following a 4–1 defeat to Liverpool, has since managed clubs across Europe and the Middle East. Still, his affection for the Hammers is clear — and for many fans, the idea of his return would’ve stirred plenty of nostalgia.

Imagine Bilic back in the London Stadium dugout — it could have been quite the story.

West Ham learn asking price for “unstoppable” 19-goal striker after making contact with club

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Barnaby Lane
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Dario Osorio, Franculino Dju. (REUTERS)
Dario Osorio, Franculino Dju. (REUTERS)

West Ham United may have shown signs of life under Nuno Espírito Santo, but the Hammers’ fight for Premier League survival is far from over.

Despite back-to-back wins bringing a glimmer of optimism to the London Stadium, they still sit 18th in the table — conceding too many goals and struggling for consistency in attack.

With Callum Wilson netting just twice all season and Niclas Füllkrug yet to score and seemingly on his way out, it’s no surprise that finding a new striker has become Nuno’s top priority ahead of the January transfer window.

And it seems the club may already have a target in their sights.

West Ham Learn Price for Franculino Dju

Dju Franculino. (REUTERS)
Dju Franculino. (REUTERS)

According to a report from the Daily Mirror, West Ham are maintaining interest in Franculino Dju, the prolific FC Midtjylland forward who has taken Denmark by storm this season.

The Hammers reportedly made an informal approach for the Guinea-Bissau international in the summer, which was rejected by the Danish side — but talks could be reignited in January.

Dju has been in sensational form, scoring 19 goals in all competitions so far this term, quickly establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young finishers.

Midtjylland, however, are in no rush to sell and are expected to demand a Danish record transfer fee, surpassing the £22 million (plus £4m in add-ons) they received for Ernest Nuamah in 2023.

Dju, described as “unstoppable” by former Celtic defender Johan Mjällby, has impressed with his explosive pace, intelligent movement, and lethal finishing. Those attributes have reportedly caught the eye of several Premier League and Bundesliga clubs, meaning West Ham could face stiff competition if they decide to move.

Still, while Dju’s numbers make for impressive reading, some within the fanbase might feel another untested forward from abroad is a risky move for a team in a relegation scrap. The Hammers have already seen too many gambles — like Füllkrug — fail to pay off.

In truth, what West Ham might need more than anything is a proven Premier League goalscorer — someone who can hit the ground running and guarantee goals from day one. A move for Ivan Toney, perhaps, would make more sense for a club that simply can’t afford another attacking misfire.

European clubs showing interest in “technical” West Ham starlet who wants to leave the London Stadium

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Barnaby Lane
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Southampton's Tyler Dibling in action with West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta and Luis Guilherme. (REUTERS/Tony O Brien)
Southampton's Tyler Dibling in action with West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta and Luis Guilherme. (REUTERS/Tony O Brien)

West Ham United’s season continues to teeter on the edge of crisis despite recent improvements under Nuno Espírito Santo.

The Hammers remain deep in relegation trouble, sitting 18th in the Premier League after a dismal start, and January now looms as a defining month for the club’s survival hopes.

A new striker and midfielder are top of Nuno’s wishlist — with Mateo Kovačić and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly among those being linked — but not every move will be about arrivals.

Some fringe players could be moved on to make space, and one young talent looks increasingly likely to be among the departures.

European Clubs Interested in Luis Guilherme

West Ham United's Luis Guilherme. (Reuters/Paul Childs)
West Ham United’s Luis Guilherme. (Reuters/Paul Childs)

According to Brazilian outlet Trivela, teenage winger Luis Guilherme is considering his future at West Ham and could look to leave the club in search of more regular first-team football.

Sources close to the 19-year-old told the publication that his opportunities in East London remain limited, particularly after a turbulent period that has seen three different managers take charge since his arrival.

Compounding matters, the man who signed him — former sporting director Tim Steidten — departed the club earlier this year, leaving Guilherme without a clear advocate at board level.

As a result, the player’s representatives are actively exploring new opportunities in Europe, with a January exit possible. Portuguese giants Porto and Dutch side Feyenoord have both expressed interest, while Botafogo and other Brazilian clubs have also made contact in recent months.

However, Guilherme’s camp is reportedly not keen on a return to South America, believing that such a move could stall his development and put unnecessary pressure on a player still adapting to European football.

Despite his lack of minutes in the Premier League, the Brazilian remains highly rated across Europe, admired for his pace, balance, and creativity.

Former manager Julen Lopetegui once described him as a “technical” player who “is going to have a good future.”

That future, however, now seems increasingly likely to unfold away from the London Stadium.

West Ham monitoring “spectacular” Arsenal youngster who needs “more minutes” for England consideration

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Barnaby Lane
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Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Merino. (REUTERS/Hannah Mckay)
Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Merino. (REUTERS/Hannah Mckay)

West Ham United’s January recruitment drive looks set to be a crucial one.

Despite recording back-to-back Premier League wins under Nuno Espírito Santo, the Hammers still find themselves in deep trouble — sitting 18th in the table after a turbulent start to the season.

The recent victories over Newcastle United and Burnley have restored some much-needed confidence and momentum, but few around the London Stadium are under any illusions.

This squad remains thin in key areas, particularly out wide and in defence, and Nuno is determined to bring in young, dynamic players who can lift the club’s level for the long run.

As preparations for the January transfer window gather pace, reports suggest that West Ham could turn to one of England’s most highly-rated young prospects to strengthen their ranks.

West Ham Monitoring Lewis-Skelly

Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly. (REUTERS/David W Cerny)
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly. (REUTERS/David W Cerny)

According to a report from Mark Brus (CaughtOffside), West Ham are among a number of Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has struggled for regular minutes this season.

The 19-year-old was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad for the upcoming fixtures against Serbia and Albania, with the England manager explaining that while Lewis-Skelly remains highly regarded, he needs “more minutes” at club level to stay in contention.

Lewis-Skelly has managed just 87 minutes of Premier League football this term, having lost his place at left-back to Riccardo Calafiori.

Once described as “spectacular” by pundit Jamie Carragher, Lewis-Skelly remains one of Arsenal’s brightest academy graduates. His technical ability, athleticism and maturity beyond his years have long drawn attention from rival clubs.

Alongside West Ham, Everton, Fulham, and Nottingham Forest are also said to be monitoring his situation closely, with all four clubs exploring potential loan options should Arsenal open the door to a short-term move.

That said, Arsenal are not expected to sanction any departures in January, as Mikel Arteta’s side chase trophies on multiple fronts. Lewis-Skelly also recently signed a new five-year contract, underlining the Gunners’ long-term belief in him.

Still, if West Ham can somehow tempt Arsenal into letting him go — even temporarily — they’d be landing one of England’s most promising young full-backs.

West Ham give “permission” for “pathetic” Hammers man to leave London Stadium in January

By
Barnaby Lane
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West Ham United's Niclas Fullkrug. (Reuters/Andrew Boyers)
West Ham United's Niclas Fullkrug. (Reuters/Andrew Boyers)

West Ham United finally appear to be finding their rhythm under Nuno Espírito Santo, with back-to-back Premier League victories sparking long-awaited optimism in East London.

A 3–1 win over Newcastle and a thrilling 3–2 triumph against Burnley have lifted spirits, with Lucas Paquetá pulling the strings in midfield and El Hadji Malick Diouf impressing down the left flank.

However, despite the growing positivity, not everyone is enjoying the same momentum.

For Niclas Füllkrug, West Ham’s big-money 2024 signing, his time at the London Stadium looks to be drawing to a swift and disappointing end.

West Ham to Let Füllkrug Leave

West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo with Niclas Fullkrug. (Reuters/Peter Cziborra)
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo with Niclas Fullkrug. (Reuters/Peter Cziborra)

According to reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg, West Ham have now given Füllkrug permission to leave the club in January, with interest emerging from the Bundesliga.

The £27 million striker’s move from Borussia Dortmund last summer has been nothing short of disastrous.

Persistent injuries and a lack of form have limited him to just a handful of appearances, and he’s yet to score a single goal this season. Füllkrug has been sidelined since early October with a thigh problem and has failed to make the impact many expected when he arrived as a proven goalscorer.

Last season’s struggles were equally poor, with the German managing just three goals in all competitions — leading pundit Jamie O’Hara to brand his performances as “pathetic.”

Plettenberg revealed: ”West Ham have now given Füllkrug permission to leave in the winter window. Wolfsburg are exploring a possible January move for him.”

The reporter added that Augsburg are also keen, while Füllkrug’s representatives have been officially notified that he is free to find a new club. West Ham, meanwhile, are already scouring the market for a replacement as Nuno looks to reshape his forward options.

For Füllkrug, it would mark a swift end to a miserable spell in England — a move that promised so much but delivered next to nothing.

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