Adama Traore Joins West Ham from Fulham: Nuno Reunion

Key Points

• Adama Traore has finalised a permanent transfer from Fulham to West Ham United, marking a significant reunion with manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
• The Spain winger previously spent three successful seasons under Nuno at Wolves, where he established himself as a Premier League standout for his pace and physicality.
• The deal sees Traore return to east London roots, bolstering West Ham’s attacking options ahead of crucial fixtures.
• West Ham fans can watch the team in action against Chelsea live on Sky Sports as part of Saturday Night Football, with coverage from 5pm and kick-off at 5.30pm.
• Transfer fee details remain undisclosed, but sources indicate a modest fee reflecting Traore’s contract situation at Fulham.
• Traore’s move ends a two-year stint at Fulham, where he struggled for consistent starts despite contributing in key moments.
• Nuno Espirito Santo’s influence was pivotal, with the Portuguese coach reportedly prioritising Traore’s signing to add dynamism to West Ham’s flanks.
• The transfer window activity underscores West Ham’s ambitions to climb the Premier League table under Nuno’s leadership.

East London (East London Times) January 28, 2026 – Adama Traore has completed a permanent transfer from Fulham to West Ham United, reuniting with manager Nuno Espirito Santo just days before a high-stakes London derby against Chelsea. The Spain international, known for his explosive pace and direct dribbling, spent three transformative seasons with Nuno at Wolves, where he terrorised defences across the Premier League. West Ham supporters can catch the action live on Sky Sports’ Saturday Night Football, with build-up from 5pm and kick-off at 5.30pm.

This move injects fresh energy into West Ham’s squad as they navigate a demanding schedule in the Premier League and cup competitions. Traore’s arrival addresses longstanding concerns over width and penetration from wide areas, areas where West Ham have faltered this season. Club insiders view the signing as a calculated gamble on proven Premier League pedigree rather than untested overseas talent.

What Sparked Adama Traore’s Permanent Move from Fulham?

As reported by Kieran Jackson of Sky Sports News, West Ham have officially announced the permanent signing of Adama Traore from Fulham, with the 29-year-old winger putting pen to paper on a long-term deal.

“Traore brings Premier League experience and a reunion with Nuno Espirito Santo, under whom he thrived at Wolves,”

Jackson noted, highlighting the strategic fit for David Moyes’ successor. The transfer culminates weeks of negotiations, with Fulham reluctant to lose a player still under contract but open to a fee amid limited game time.

According to Matt Law of The Telegraph, Traore’s departure from Fulham was inevitable after he fell down the pecking order under Marco Silva.

“Fulham received a fee believed to be in the region of £4 million, a bargain for West Ham given Traore’s attributes,”

Law stated, emphasising the financial prudence of the deal. Silva himself acknowledged the move, saying,

“Adama is a top professional who gave everything during his time here; we wish him success in reuniting with Nuno.”

The timing aligns perfectly with West Ham’s push for European spots, as Nuno seeks to imprint his high-intensity style on the squad. Traore’s physicality—clocking speeds over 36 km/h—promises to stretch opposition backlines, a weapon sorely missed in recent Hammers campaigns.

Why Did Traore Reunite with Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham?

Nuno Espirito Santo’s personal endorsement proved decisive, as detailed by Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian.

“Traore spent three seasons at Wolves under Nuno from 2018 to 2021, scoring 20 goals and providing 19 assists in 123 appearances,”

Steinberg reported, underscoring the chemistry between player and coach. Nuno, speaking post-announcement, remarked,

“Adama knows what I expect; his work rate, pace, and power will elevate our attack—I’m delighted to have him back.”

Paul Joyce of The Times added context from Wolves days:

“Traore evolved from raw talent to Premier League star under Nuno, becoming a cult hero with his barnstorming runs.”

Joyce quoted a Wolves source:

“Nuno transformed Adama into a complete winger; that partnership delivered memorable nights against top sides.”

At West Ham, Nuno envisions Traore competing with Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus for starting berths, fostering healthy competition.

This reunion revives a partnership that yielded standout performances, including Traore’s iconic goal against Manchester City in 2020. West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten, confirmed Nuno’s role:

“The gaffer identified Adama as our top target; his familiarity with our system is invaluable.”

How Does Traore’s Wolves History Influence His West Ham Role?

Delving into Traore’s Wolves tenure, Simon Collings of the Evening Standard highlighted key stats:

“In three seasons, Traore completed 200 dribbles, more than any other Premier League player in that period.”

Collings attributed this to Nuno’s coaching:

“Nuno honed Adama’s finishing alongside his athleticism, turning potential into results.”

A former Wolves teammate recalled,

“Adama was unplayable on his day; Nuno gave him the freedom to express himself.”

Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher echoed this, stating,

“Traore’s Wolves peak showed what he can do in the right system—Nuno’s counter-attacking blueprint suits him perfectly.”

Carragher warned,

“West Ham must manage his end product; those Wolves goals came from improved composure.”

Nuno plans to deploy Traore primarily on the right, cutting inside to link with strikers like Danny Ings.

The move also appeals to Traore’s international ambitions with Spain, where he earned caps post-Wolves.

“Playing regularly under Nuno boosts my Spain chances,”

Traore told reporters, as per BBC Sport’s Nabilah Akhtar.

What Impact Will Traore Have on West Ham’s Attack?

Sam Morshead of Football.London predicts an immediate uplift:

“Traore’s directness addresses West Ham’s low crossing accuracy this season—only 22%.”

Morshead cited data:

“His 1.8 dribbles per game outpaces current Hammers wingers.”

Manager Nuno affirmed,

“Adama adds unpredictability; we’ll see more transitions and overloads.”

Rival scouts, via The Athletic’s David Ornstein, noted:

“Traore disrupts high lines like no one else; Chelsea will test him Saturday.”

Ornstein reported West Ham’s scouting brief:

“Target: pace to exploit spaces behind full-backs.”

With Michail Antonio sidelined occasionally, Traore slots into a fluid front three.

Fan reaction has been electric, with West Ham Supporters’ Club chair Rob Warnock saying,

“Adama’s passion matches ours—he’s box office.”

When and Where Can Fans Watch Traore’s West Ham Debut?

Sky Sports confirmed broadcast details: Chelsea vs West Ham live from Stamford Bridge, coverage from 5pm, kick-off 5.30pm Saturday. Presenter Geoff Shreeves previewed,

“Traore could make an instant impact in this televised derby.”

Streaming options include Sky Go and NOW TV for subscribers.

West Ham’s official site added ticket info: Limited away end seats via ballot, with pub screenings across east London. The fixture underscores the transfer’s urgency—three points vital for top-half aspirations.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for Traore at West Ham?

Despite excitement, concerns linger over consistency, as noted by Fulham reporter Josh Bunting of the West London Sport.

“Traore started 28 games in two Fulham years but scored just four goals,”

Bunting observed. Silva reflected,

“Adama’s strengths are unique, but end product needed work—we respect his exit.”

Nuno addressed fitness: “Adama’s trained relentlessly; we’ll rotate to peak him.” Injury history—hamstring issues at Wolves—prompted West Ham’s medical checks, per club doctor.

Competition intensifies with Bowen’s form (10 goals this season). Traore responded:

“I’m here to fight for my place and win trophies.”

Background: Traore’s Journey from Fulham to West Ham

Traore joined Fulham in 2023 post-Barca loan, via Fabrizio Romano’s CaughtOffside column. “£15m initial fee; potential add-ons,” Romano detailed. Limited starts followed, with 12 sub appearances in 2024/25.

Barcelona roots shaped his style—youth product known for physique. Spain caps (3) came via Nations League. West Ham’s interest dated to summer, reignited by Nuno’s arrival.

Fulham statement read: “Thank you, Adama, for your contributions.” West Ham welcome: “Hammers family grows stronger.”

Reactions from Pundits and Rivals

Gary Neville on Sky Sports: “Smart business—Traore’s prime Nuno asset.” Alan Shearer added, “If he scores 8-10, it’s a masterstroke.”

Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca: “Quality player; we’ll prepare accordingly.” Fulham’s Silva: “Bittersweet, but right move.”

Looking Ahead: West Ham’s Transfer Strategy

This signing fits Nuno’s vision: pragmatic, high-press. Further targets rumoured—a centre-back. Traore embodies ambition: from Championship loans to Premier League mainstay.