Nuno Espirito Santo Targets Adama Traore in West Ham Transfer Move

Key Points

• Nuno Espirito Santo is reportedly keen on reuniting with winger Adama Traore during the January transfer window.
• The Spanish international could depart Fulham after limited appearances this season.
• A move to West Ham United is under serious consideration, with reports suggesting Traore’s price tag is significantly reduced.
• Nuno is under pressure following inconsistent results since his appointment at West Ham.
• The Hammers may lose promising forward Luis Guilherme in January, heightening the need for attacking options.
• The potential move would reunite Nuno and Traore after their successful partnership at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
• Fulham are open to negotiating a transfer fee before Traore’s contract runs out in the summer.

Why is Nuno Espirito Santo interested in Adama Traore?

As reported by Sam Preston of West Ham Zone, Nuno Espirito Santo is pushing for attacking reinforcements amid growing pressure at the London Stadium. Preston notes that

“Adama Traore has emerged as a key target for Nuno, who previously worked with the winger during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers.”

During their spell at Wolves, Nuno and Traore forged a dynamic attacking relationship. The Spanish winger’s speed and physicality made him a central figure under Nuno’s tactical system, contributing to Wolves’ rise in the Premier League and Europa League campaigns between 2018 and 2021.

Traore, now 29, signed with Fulham in 2023 but has struggled for consistent first-team opportunities under Marco Silva. According to Sky Sports News, the winger’s “limited involvement and the team’s depth in wide positions” have opened the door for a potential mid-season exit.

What is the financial situation surrounding the potential transfer?

According to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, Fulham would be willing to consider a “cut-price” offer for Traore before his deal expires in June 2026, as the club aims to trim its wage bill and refresh its attacking options. Steinberg further reported that

“Fulham anticipate bids between £4 million and £6 million could be sufficient to open negotiations.”

West Ham Zone highlighted that sources close to the deal describe it as a “low-risk opportunity” for West Ham given Traore’s familiarity with Nuno’s system and the manager’s trust in the player’s profile. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, writing on X (formerly Twitter), claimed earlier this week that

“discussions have taken place internally at West Ham over potential wide targets, including Adama Traore.”

How does this move fit into West Ham’s January strategy?

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side is struggling for offensive momentum, managing just seven goals in their past eight matches across all competitions. As reported by West Ham Zone, the manager’s position

“has come under scrutiny following a string of disappointing results”

with the Hammers sliding down the league table.

If Luis Guilherme — the Brazilian forward recently linked with a move back to Brazil — leaves in January, West Ham will be left short on attacking depth. A report by Jacob Tanswell for The Athletic suggested that

“Nuno sees Traore as a flexible solution capable of playing both as a winger and an inside forward.”

Moreover, Traore’s availability and familiarity with Premier League defences make him a practical short-term signing for a mid-table side looking to regain attacking rhythm.

Could Adama Traore reunite successfully with Nuno at West Ham?

During his tenure at Wolves, Nuno often deployed Traore in a wide right position or as a forward in a 3-4-3 formation — a role that maximised his explosive pace and ability to beat defenders. As noted by BBC Sport, the pair “shared a mutual understanding of tactical structure and transition play.”

Speaking previously about his time under Nuno, Traore told The Express & Star in 2020 that “Nuno gave me confidence to play my natural game.” This established rapport could make West Ham a logical landing spot, given Nuno’s immediate need for a physically powerful and direct winger.

According to Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings, Nuno is

“eager to build a forward line that mirrors the energy of his Wolves squad,”

a plan that would see Traore complement Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus on the flanks.

What has Fulham’s stance been on Adama’s future?

Fulham manager Marco Silva has remained tight-lipped on the subject. When asked by Sky Sports after Fulham’s 1–0 loss to Newcastle, Silva responded,

“Adama continues to work hard in training. We will assess opportunities in January, but nothing is decided yet.”

Sources close to Fulham, quoted by The Telegraph’s John Percy, said the club is “open to negotiation if a fair offer materialises,” though they would prefer to include performance-based clauses to mitigate risk in losing the player mid-season.

Fulham’s attack currently features Willian, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, and Andreas Pereira in wide and creative roles, limiting Adama’s minutes since his return from injury earlier in the campaign.

How does this transfer impact Nuno’s standing at West Ham?

West Ham’s domestic performance since Nuno’s arrival has been mixed. As The Mirror’s Alex Richards reported,

“Questions have intensified over Nuno’s tactics following back-to-back defeats and a lack of attacking threat.”

A reunion with Traore could offer Nuno both a boost in morale and a tactical lifeline. West Ham Zone quoted an insider as saying,

“Nuno wants players he trusts — Adama fits that profile perfectly.”

However, some analysts express caution. According to The Independent’s Tony Evans,

“While Traore brings physical presence, his inconsistency in end-product has historically divided opinion among Premier League managers.”

When could the deal be finalised?

The January transfer window opens on 1 January 2026. Negotiations are reportedly at an early stage, though West Ham Zone noted that “internal approval for a move in principle has been given by the club’s recruitment department.”

If Fulham agree to sell, personal terms are expected to pose no barrier. Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke reported that Traore “remains open to a move across London” and is “keen to reunite with Nuno if game time is guaranteed.”

A decision is expected before the second week of January, coinciding with West Ham’s Carabao Cup quarter-final fixture — a timeline that could accelerate talks as both sides weigh the risks and rewards.