West Ham agreed ‘surprising’ Nuno Espirito Santo sack clause, David Sullivan ‘got this one right’
West Ham have agreed a “surprising” sack clause in Nuno Espirito Santo’s contract at the London Stadium.
That is according to former Everton, Aston Villa and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, who exclusively told Football Insider Nuno was keen to take the West Ham job as he looked to remain in the Premier League.
The clause in question is around what happens to the Portuguese boss should the Hammers be relegated this season.
The Athletic reported on 3 February West Ham can sack Nuno without paying him any compensation if they lose their Premier League status.
The east London club currently sit third-bottom in the top-flight table, but they are now just three points behind Nottingham Forest after 26 matches.
Why West Ham included unusual clause in Nuno Espirito Santo’s contract
Nuno failed to have an impact in his opening few months as West Ham boss, having signed a three-year deal at the London Stadium after replacing Graham Potter in September.
However, the Hammers have now claimed 10 points from their past five Premier League matches in their bid to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness revealed he hasn’t come across the kind of sack clause Nuno has in his contract before.
He said: “It surprised me. It’s not one that I’ve actually been involved in negotiating either, although it makes sense that it would be in there for that short term.
“He obviously wanted to take the job and stay in the Premier League, so for him it was that chance and he believed in his abilities to do that. Always you’ve got to consider the close connection between Mendes, the agent, and Nuno.
“At Wolves, it was often talked about and at West Ham I know it’s been talked about now in certain circles. That’s always been an issue around that sort of relationship.”
Why Nuno was ‘happy to accept’ West Ham sack clause
Wyness insisted West Ham chairman David Sullivan was right to include the sack clause in Nuno’s contract.
“Certainly, I think Nuno is looking at if he can produce that miracle and keep West Ham up, then of course he’s got a strong hand then to say, ‘I’ll renegotiate my contract pretty quickly if I can keep you up’,” said Wyness.
“He’s taken that chance, which is fair enough. I mean, that’s the way it works, but I think he’s quite happy to take that easy release clause if they go down.
“I think he’d have to go anyway, so why would you be rewarded for failure? At least Sullivan’s got that one right.”
Nuno is now preparing his side to take on Burton Albion in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday (14 February).
To read more expert analysis on Nuno’s future, check out West Ham Zone.