West Ham are weighing up a controversial move to bring back Slaven Bilic, with Graham Potter’s future hanging by a thread after a poor start to the season. Defeat to Crystal Palace this weekend could seal Potter’s fate, and the club’s hierarchy are already drawing up contingency plans.
Potter’s Future on the Brink
Graham Potter’s time as West Ham manager could be nearing its end after a miserable start to the season. Defeat against Crystal Palace this weekend may prove decisive, with sources suggesting the club’s hierarchy are already exploring replacements. Discontent is growing among supporters too, with protests planned ahead of the Palace clash, putting even more pressure on Potter’s position.
Slaven Bilic a contender to make a surprise return to West Ham if Graham Potter is sacked.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 18, 2025
Owner David Sullivan favours turning to former boss Bilic.
Out of work pair Nuno Espirito Santo and Sean Dyche have also been discussed.⚒️
🤝 @alex_crook pic.twitter.com/hu309UZgDm
Bilic in the Frame – Ben Jacobs’ Update
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has emerged as a serious contender to replace Potter if a change is made. Owner David Sullivan is said to favour a return for the Croatian, who previously led the Hammers into Europe during his first spell. Out-of-work managers Nuno Espirito Santo and Sean Dyche are also believed to have been discussed by the board as alternatives.
Bilic’s Record Since Leaving West Ham
Bilic left the London Stadium in 2017, and his managerial career since has been mixed:
- Al-Ittihad (2018–19): 20 games, just 6 wins (30% win rate).
- West Brom (2019–20): Guided them to Premier League promotion, but his top-flight record was less convincing (40% win rate).
- Beijing Guoan (2021–22): 29 games, 9 wins (31% win rate).
- Watford (2022–23): 26 games, 10 wins (38% win rate).
- Al-Fateh (2023–24): 36 games, 13 wins (36% win rate).
Across all jobs since leaving West Ham, Bilic has managed 176 games, winning 64 with an overall win percentage of around 36%.
Summary: Potter is close to being sacked, and bringing Bilic back would be a risky move that divides fans.
