West Ham United’s fight to retain their Premier League status has taken on added significance following revelations that manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s contract includes a relegation break clause.
The provision allows the club to part ways with the Portuguese coach without financial compensation if the Hammers are relegated at the end of the season, underlining the high stakes surrounding their survival bid.
Nuno committed his future to the London club when he signed a long-term deal running until 2028 after replacing Graham Potter earlier in the campaign.
However, details emerging from the agreement suggest the club safeguarded itself against the potential financial consequences of relegation by inserting a clause that would remove any obligation to pay compensation should they opt to dismiss him if West Ham drop to the Championship.
The 50-year-old’s tenure has been challenging since he assumed control, with results proving inconsistent as the club battles to pull clear of danger.
West Ham have managed only four victories in 19 Premier League matches under his leadership, a run that has left them struggling to climb out of the bottom three and intensified scrutiny around both performances and tactical direction.
Their current predicament worsened after a recent defeat to Chelsea, leaving the Hammers rooted in the relegation zone.
They sit six points adrift of safety, trailing both Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, who occupy 16th and 17th positions respectively. With the season entering a decisive phase, pressure is mounting on Nuno to engineer a turnaround capable of preserving the club’s top-flight status.
