West Ham Transfer Targets 2026: Every Player Linked This January

Key Points

• West Ham United enter the January transfer window amid growing relegation fears.
• Nuno Espírito Santo faces scrutiny following a poor run of results.
• The Hammers aim to strengthen in midfield, defence, and attack.
• Players from Premier League rivals and European clubs have been linked.
• Reports from The Guardian, Daily Mail, West Ham Zone, Evening Standard, and The Athletic mention specific transfer targets.
• The club may offload fringe players to balance finances.
• Top targets reportedly include Armando Broja, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Sébastien Bornauw, and Serhou Guirassy.

West Ham United could be set for a pivotal January transfer window as the club battles to regain form in the Premier League and move away from the relegation places. According to West Ham Zone, manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s position is already under increasing pressure after a string of disappointing results left the Hammers perilously close to the bottom three.

Why Is West Ham’s January Transfer Window So Important?

As Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian reported,

“Nuno Espírito Santo has been given the task of reshaping the squad mid-season to ensure survival, with the West Ham board keen to provide support but watch spending carefully.”

The January window traditionally provides clubs in crisis a rare opportunity to course-correct. In West Ham’s case, this has become more than a luxury — it’s a necessity. Sources close to The Athletic suggest that Santo has been in daily contact with sporting director Tim Steidten over recruitment priorities, particularly in attack and defensive solidity.

Could Armando Broja Join the Hammers?

As reported by Simon Johnson of The Athletic, West Ham are monitoring Chelsea striker Armando Broja, who has struggled for regular game time under Mauricio Pochettino. The 22-year-old Albanian forward could seek a loan move, with West Ham expressing interest.

Johnson noted:

“West Ham see Broja as an ideal addition, offering Premier League experience and the physical profile to fit Nuno’s system.”

However, Chelsea are said to prefer a permanent sale for around £30 million — potentially pricing West Ham out.

Is Serhou Guirassy on West Ham’s Radar?

According to Mail Sport’s Sami Mokbel, the Hammers have enquired about Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy, whose remarkable Bundesliga form — 17 goals before Christmas — has drawn attention across Europe.

Mokbel reported:

“Guirassy’s release clause of £15 million makes him one of the most attainable goal scorers on the market, though competition from Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund could complicate matters.”

Are There Domestic Options?

Evening Standard’s Malik Ouzia wrote that West Ham are “keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi and Leicester City’s Patson Daka” should their primary targets prove unattainable. However, both players’ availability remains uncertain, with Forest reluctant to strengthen a relegation rival.

What About Callum Hudson-Odoi?

As reported by Jack Rosser of the Evening Standard, Nuno Espírito Santo is interested in Callum Hudson-Odoi, who rejuvenated his career at Nottingham Forest under Nuno’s brief tenure there. Rosser stated that “Hudson-Odoi’s pace and directness suit Nuno’s counter-attacking approach,” though Forest are not actively looking to sell.

Is Philippe Coutinho on West Ham’s Wishlist?

According to Football Insider, sources have linked Philippe Coutinho with a surprise Premier League return, with West Ham among the clubs “exploring the possibility” of taking the Brazilian playmaker on loan from Al-Duhail. However, Jacob Steinberg (The Guardian) countered that “West Ham officials view the move as unlikely due to Coutinho’s age and wages.”

Are Defenders Like Sébastien Bornauw Being Considered?

As reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, West Ham have expressed interest in Wolfsburg centre-back Sébastien Bornauw. Plettenberg wrote that

“The Belgian international is open to a Premier League move, and West Ham are one of three English clubs that have made contact.”

West Ham’s defensive frailties, particularly from set pieces, have become a recurring issue this season. Bornauw, known for his aerial dominance, could reduce dependence on the ageing Kurt Zouma.

What About Left-Back or Full-Back Options?

The Telegraph reported that Nuno wants additional depth at full-back given Emerson Palmieri’s inconsistent form and injuries to Vladimír Coufal. Reportedly, Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United) was briefly considered, though the club has not advanced discussions.

Could Kalvin Phillips Be Heading to East London?

David Ornstein of The Athletic revealed that West Ham are one of several clubs interested in Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips, whose future remains uncertain under Pep Guardiola. Ornstein wrote:

“West Ham’s hierarchy admire Phillips’ leadership and ball-winning qualities, although they would only pursue a loan deal with an option to buy.”

Phillips’ experience and Premier League pedigree could bolster West Ham’s midfield, which has lacked balance since Declan Rice’s departure to Arsenal last summer.

Is Hugo Guillamón Linked to the Hammers?

Spanish outlet AS reported that Valencia midfielder Hugo Guillamón has emerged as a potential alternative to domestic options, describing him as “a technically intelligent holding player suited to English football’s pace.” However, no formal bid has yet been made.

Will Any Players Leave West Ham in January?

West Ham may also look to offload players to fund new arrivals. According to The Daily Mail, Pablo Fornals and Ben Johnson could be made available for transfer as both approach the final six months of their contracts.

Mail reporter Craig Hope wrote: 

“West Ham’s wage bill remains a concern, and any new signings would likely require balancing with at least two outgoings.”

Additionally, The Guardian noted that striker Danny Ings could be offered to Championship clubs to ease squad pressure.

How Are Fans and Experts Responding?

Reactions among supporters have been mixed. West Ham Zone compiled fan responses saying that “many see the January window as make-or-break for the club’s Premier League future.” Some fans have urged the board to back Nuno with “experienced reinforcements,” while others question whether he is the right man for the job.

Football pundit Clinton Morrison, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, remarked:

“West Ham need belief and fresh energy — the right signings could spark that. But it depends if they act quickly enough.”

What Happens Next?

The January transfer window runs until 11 p.m. on 31 January, leaving West Ham a month to finalise deals. Nuno Espírito Santo, according to The Athletic, has been assured of “short-term backing” if results improve. But with pressure mounting and the club hovering near the drop zone, decisive moves in the market could determine their survival.

As Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian summed up:

“West Ham’s January business will shape not only their Premier League status but Nuno Espírito Santo’s future in East London.”