Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Josh Edwards

Sat 18 April 2026 13:10, UK

Nuno Espirito Santo has a big call to make at West Ham United in regard to the inclusion of Konstantinos Mavropanos.

The Hammers are well placed to achieve safety ahead of the final six games of the season, and they owe a lot to Mavropanos for his efforts within their recent run.

He’s had a terrific second half of the campaign, having contributed at both ends of the pitch.

However, news broke on Friday that Mavropanos is “set to leave” West Ham, having attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund among other European clubs.

And while West Ham will not be entertaining interest in any player right now, the rumours could spark discontent ahead of the final few games.

West Ham may have to take Eddie Howe approach

It is at the stage of the season where players from all clubs are linked with exits, though most of it is just agent talk as opposed to anything concrete.

With Mavropanos linked with Dortmund, that may be another case of that, though time will tell in that regard.

But Newcastle face a similar situation, after reports linking Anthony Gordon with an exit from St James’ Park, sparking a response from Howe.

After the reports emerged, Howe said: “I’m not going to play a player, any player, if I don’t feel they’re 100% committed to the club and to its future.

“Because that commitment, that resolve, what a player gives the team has to be total.”

And that may be on the mind of Nuno, who will be aware of how Mavropanos could have his head turned after interest from abroad.

The other issue Nuno would face with Mavropanos absence

If Nuno were to drop Mavropanos, it would make sense.

If West Ham are to stay in the Premier League, they need the entire squad to be fully focused on achieving it, which he may well not be.

However, the issue comes in regard to who could replace him, with Max Kilman the only other real senior option, and he has had a horror campaign.

Nuno needs to keep the competitive balance in his squad while ensuring everyone is still on the same page.