A member of the West Ham United squad has reportedly told manager Nuno Espírito Santo that he will “never play for him again” following a heated dressing-room exchange in the wake of the club’s relegation.
The incident comes just days after West Ham’s 14-year stay in the Premier League came to an end on a dramatic final day, with results elsewhere confirming their drop to the Championship.
West Ham had done their part with a 3-0 win over Leeds United, but needed help from elsewhere to survive. A 1-0 victory for Tottenham Hotspur over Everton ultimately sealed their fate, sending the Hammers into the second tier for the first time since 2012.
The result has intensified scrutiny around the squad and the club’s recent direction. Since the departure of David Moyes, West Ham appointed Julen Lopetegui, under whom several new signings arrived as part of a broader rebuild, including defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
Tensions are now believed to be rising behind the scenes as the club prepares for a major overhaul ahead of life in the Championship.
