West Ham must ‘watch out for Jorge Mendes’ if Nuno Espirito Santo remains manager this summer
West Ham United’s summer transfer business could be influenced by agent Jorge Mendes if Nuno Espirito Santo remains as manager.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, as Nuno’s job at West Ham is uncertain heading into the summer.
The Hammers face the likelihood of Premier League relegation, as Nuno’s side are two points adrift of safety with two games to go.
The 52-year-old has made an impact in the dugout since his appointment as manager last September, whilst his signings in the January window have proved key to their improving form in the second half of the season.
West Ham’s managerial situation could depend on whether they retain their Premier League status, although the club may be keen to keep Nuno even if they drop into the Championship.
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VISIT THE MANAGER HUBWest Ham must ‘keep in mind’ Jorge Mendes if Nuno Espirito Santo stays
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Mendes may not have much influence on signings in the summer if West Ham are a Championship club.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness though thinks Nuno would be a “safe pair of hands” for the club in the second tier.
| Games Managed | 35 |
| Games Won | 11 |
| Games Drawn | 9 |
| Games Lost | 15 |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Nuno’s certainly got them playing again, there’s no doubt.
“He’s had a very good end to the season, and I’m sure that West Ham would have loved to have had him earlier. The Graham Potter experiment obviously didn’t work.
“The thing with Nuno is you’ve got to watch his agent Mendes, he is often associated with bringing in players where Nuno is, and that’s something they’ll have to watch out for.
“If West Ham go down, that’s going to be out rather than in, and so there’s not going to be quite as much money to spend. So maybe that isn’t something to worry about for West Ham fans, but certainly something to keep in mind and watch those sorts of things.
“It’s happened at Wolves before as well, as we know, when Nuno was there, there was a lot of that connection that can be scrutinised. But look, it’s still all to play for.
“West Ham are definitely looking like they might be the ones to take the drop, but Nuno would be a very good safe pair of hands on the tiller if he was to try and get them back up at first attempt.”
Axel Disasi makes decision on staying at West Ham
Axel Disasi is one of West Ham’s January signings who have made an impact in strengthening Nuno’s backline.
Sources have told Football Insider that Disasi is keen to sign for West Ham on a permanent basis when his loan deal ends.
The 28-year-old has no future at Chelsea, and the Blues would benefit from selling the centre-back this summer to aid their financial situation.
Disasi’s performances at West Ham though mean the Hammers could be rivalled for his signature, and any deal depends on Premier League survival.
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