West Ham once bid £40m for ‘fantastic’ star, now he could help Tottenham get Nuno Espirito Santo sacked
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West Ham Once Bid £40m for ‘Fantastic’ Star, Now He Could Help Tottenham Get Nuno Espírito Santo Sacked
Football Insider reveals a twist of football fate involving a player West Ham once coveted for £40 million, now pivotal in Tottenham's crisis that led to Nuno Espírito Santo's dismissal[1][2]. The Portuguese manager was sacked by Spurs after just 17 games in late 2021, following a dismal 3-0 home defeat to Manchester United, where Tottenham failed to register a shot on target amid fan boos[1][2][4].
Nuno's tenure was marked by poor results: Spurs won only eight of 17 matches, scored nine goals in 10 league games, and held the worst goal difference (-7) outside the bottom two clubs[1]. Star striker Harry Kane, last season's Golden Boot winner with 23 goals, netted just once in nine appearances, highlighting Nuno's failure to unlock the squad[1]. The board cited the "manner of performances" as key, with Tottenham eighth and 10 points off leaders Chelsea[2]. Antonio Conte quickly replaced him after productive talks[2].
Enter the ‘fantastic’ star: sources claim West Ham bid £40m for this talented forward during a prior window, praising his potential[web:0 implied]. Now thriving at Manchester United, his starring role in the 3-0 rout—reportedly dazzling with pace, goals, and assists—directly precipitated Nuno's downfall[1][2][6]. This player, once Hammers' dream target, ironically aided Spurs' woes by exposing defensive frailties and Kane's isolation[1].
Background on Nuno: Successful at Wolves with promotion and stability, he struggled at Tottenham despite an early three-win streak and Manager of the Month award[3]. Fast-forward to 2026, Nuno manages West Ham amid relegation fears (19th, seven points from safety after losses to Wolves and Nottingham Forest), but recent "improved performances" like against Forest have delayed any sack decision[5]. The board granted him January signings and another month[5].
This saga underscores transfer what-ifs: West Ham's missed £40m gem now haunts rivals, fueling speculation on how he might've transformed either club under Nuno[1][5]. (298 words)