Wolves podcaster Jordan Russell fears there’s ‘no smoke without fire’ following reports that the club are drawing up a succession plan for manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
According to the Mail, Nuno’s work at Molineux ‘has not gone unnoticed’, and external interest has prompted Wolves to start compiling a list of potential replacements.
It’s a list that apparently includes former bosses of Porto and Benfica – Vitor Pereira and Bruno Lage respectively.
The report adds that Nuno was on Arsenal’s shortlist when Unai Emery was sacked, and that he has now been named as a contender for the Spurs job following Jose Mourinho’s exit.
‘I don’t necessarily think Nuno will jump ship to Spurs’
While Russell says he ‘wouldn’t be shocked’ if Nuno wasn’t in charge at the start of next season, he doesn’t ‘see the benefit’ of a move to Tottenham.
Russell pointed to their financial difficulties and the possibility that Harry Kane will leave if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
“There’s always no smoke without fire. I’ve sort of speculated for a little bit out of time now. I do fear he could be gone this summer,” he said on Friday’s episode of the Wolves Fancast.
“In terms of football management, he’s been with us for a very long time. He might want something new.
“I don’t see the benefit in leaving Wolves for Spurs.
“They’ve got money troubles, Harry Kane will no doubt leave in the summer as well, I’m convinced of that.
“I don’t necessarily think he’ll jump ship to Spurs, however I wouldn’t be shocked if he wasn’t with us at the start of next season, which is quite sad really.”
Recapping Nuno’s tenure at Wolves
Wolves appointed Nuno ahead of the 2017/18 season and he immediately led them to promotion.
They took to the top-flight seamlessly, earning back-to-back seventh-place finishes.
The second was enough to earn European qualification, and they made it all the way to the quarterfinals before falling to eventual champions Sevilla.
This season has proven considerably more tricky, with Wolves languishing in the bottom half.
On top of their difficult periods on the field, Nuno’s been separated from his family in Portugal during the pandemic.
He may look to be closer to them once restrictions are lifted.