David Sullivan 'Completely Undermines' Nuno as He Intervenes with West Ham Transfer

West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has reportedly blocked manager Nuno Espírito Santo's key transfer target, Adama Traoré from Fulham, sparking fears of an internal rift at the struggling Premier League club. The Hammers are refusing to meet Fulham's £7 million asking price for the winger, despite Nuno identifying him as a priority signing to bolster the team's relegation battle[1].

This decision echoes a pivotal moment in Nuno's past: he resigned from Nottingham Forest in 2023 after their sporting director refused to sanction a move for Traoré, leading to his swift appointment at West Ham. Now, with Sullivan intervening directly, speculation is rife that history could repeat itself. Fans and pundits question whether Nuno might disengage or push for an exit, potentially securing a £6 million payoff without the club paying compensation[1].

West Ham sit seven points from Premier League safety, having scraped into the FA Cup fourth round against QPR. An upcoming tie with Burton Albion offers slim hope, but deeper woes loom. Star midfielder Lucas Paqueta is agitating for a £35 million move to Flamengo, exacerbated by contracts featuring 50% salary cuts upon relegation—clauses deterring new signings and risking a 75% revenue plunge[3].

Despite backing Nuno with two January arrivals, a club source fears an "impossible situation," with leaks from the hierarchy fueling sack talk[2][5]. Sullivan's frugality—deeming £7 million steep for a player whose contract nears its end—draws ire, as critics argue it undermines Nuno's efforts to salvage the season. Some supporters agree, viewing Traoré as past his prime, while others decry the board's transfer hesitancy amid crisis[1].

Nuno prioritizes a striker like Niclas Füllkrug, but clashing visions with ownership threaten stability. As tensions simmer ahead of Tottenham, West Ham's survival hinges on unity—or Sullivan selling up[3][4].

(Word count: 298)