Graham Potter’s days at West Ham appear to be numbered after a disastrous start to the 2025/26 campaign, and the club are already weighing up replacements.

Potter under huge pressure

Potter has been in charge for just nine months, but his record has quickly unraveled. His win percentage is the second-lowest of any West Ham manager in the Premier League era, ahead of only Avram Grant, who oversaw relegation in 2011.

Frustration in East London is boiling over. Supporters are planning regular protests against the ownership during home matches, while on the pitch the Hammers have looked shaky at best. In their opening five league games they’ve conceded 13 goals — more than anyone else — with a staggering seven of those arriving from corners.

Wayne Rooney, speaking on Match of the Day, highlighted the defensive chaos:

“It’s all second balls. They’re not winning first headers, not reacting quickly enough, and that’s where the goals are coming from. Conceding seven from five is crazy, but you can see the lack of confidence in both the players and the fans.”

Unless things improve quickly, many fear another relegation fight is on the horizon.

A decision looming

According to reports, Potter may stay in the dugout for the Everton and Arsenal fixtures, but the club are preparing for change before Brentford visit the London Stadium on October 20.

Nuno Espírito Santo has been strongly linked and is understood to be close to an agreement if Potter departs. However, insider outlet Claret & Hugh claims the board’s preferred option is actually Fulham boss Marco Silva.

Silva the ideal candidate — but costly

Silva has enhanced his reputation at Craven Cottage, guiding Fulham into the top half with limited resources and briefly pushing for Europe last season. His side have started this campaign well too, winning three straight matches in all competitions.

That track record makes him the standout candidate in West Ham’s eyes. Yet there’s a catch: prising Silva away could cost around £10 million in compensation, a fee co-owners David Sullivan and Karren Brady are reluctant to pay.

For now, that leaves Nuno in pole position, but the hierarchy’s hesitation reflects the stakes. With shareholders worried about the financial fallout of relegation and fans growing restless, West Ham can ill afford to get their next managerial appointment wrong.