Key Points
- West Ham United enter the January transfer window fighting to escape the Premier League relegation zone.
- Nuno Espírito Santo replaced Graham Potter earlier in the season amid poor results.
- Several players could leave in January including Tomáš Souček, Danny Ings, and Saïd Benrahma.
- Targets include Wolves’ João Gomes, Chelsea’s Armando Broja, and Corinthians winger Wesley Gassova.
- Financial Fair Play restrictions could impact the club’s spending capacity.
- Nuno has requested experienced Premier League players and a quick striker addition.
- Transfer deadline day falls on 31 January 2026, with extended registration hours for deals abroad.
Why is this January transfer window so crucial for West Ham?
West Ham’s current predicament stems from a poor start under Graham Potter, who failed to stabilise results despite heavy summer recruitment. Following his departure, Nuno initially inspired short-lived improvement but the team soon slipped back into negative form, as highlighted by BBC Sport’s Simon Stone.
According to Stone,
“West Ham’s issues are not only tactical but psychological, as confidence has drained from key figures such as Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá.”
The club’s last six fixtures produced no wins, leading to growing relegation fears across the fanbase.
Speaking to Sky Sports, former Premier League defender Gary Neville warned that “West Ham must treat January as a rescue mission,” urging senior players to “think again about their performances.”
Who could Nuno Espirito Santo sign in January?
Sources across the British media have linked West Ham to several potential signings aimed at bolstering midfield creativity and scoring threat.
As reported by Ben Jacobs of Caught Offside, Nuno is prioritising a dynamic midfielder and a striker capable of leading the line in a counter-attacking setup. Among names discussed are:
- João Gomes (Wolves) – Described by The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg as Nuno’s “top target,” Gomes has impressed in midfield under Gary O’Neil but could be available for around £25 million.
- Armando Broja (Chelsea) – According to Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol, West Ham inquired about a loan deal for the Albanian international, though Chelsea reportedly demand a permanent transfer offer.
- Wesley Gassova (Corinthians) – As revealed by The Mirror’s John Cross, the 19-year-old Brazilian winger has drawn West Ham’s interest after scouts attended multiple fixtures in São Paulo.
- Ben Brereton Díaz (Villarreal/Sheffield United) – Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel confirmed the club “remain keen” on the Chilean forward, who has Premier League experience and a low-risk loan clause.
Insiders told Football.London that Nuno’s transfer wishlist “blends urgency with long-term vision,” focusing on players already adapted to European football.
What players could leave West Ham in January?
With Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions limiting net spend below £30 million, West Ham are expected to sanction departures to raise funds.
According to Evening Standard’s Malik Ouzia, Saïd Benrahma could be one of the first out, with Olympique Lyonnais and Marseille showing interest. Ouzia noted that the Algerian’s inconsistency under both Potter and Nuno “has reopened the door to a loan exit.”
The Telegraph’s Matt Law reported that Danny Ings is “open to leaving” after limited playing time, with Championship sides Leeds United and Southampton monitoring his situation. Law added that Ings’ wages remain a stumbling block for potential buyers.
Meanwhile, The Sun’s Charlie Wyett mentioned Tomáš Souček as another possible departure. Souček, who joined from Slavia Prague in 2020, has slowed in form and could attract attention from Serie A clubs seeking experienced midfielders.
Additionally, Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke revealed that Ben Johnson might decline his new contract extension and leave on a free transfer in the summer, making a January sale more likely.
How is Nuno Espirito Santo reshaping West Ham’s tactics?
Nuno’s system differs considerably from Potter’s possession-heavy approach. As analysed by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, Nuno is introducing a compact 3-4-3 setup with emphasis on pressing triggers and a narrow defensive block.
Thomas wrote,
“The players have responded positively to Nuno’s tactical clarity, but lapses in concentration continue to cost points.”
Nuno is believed to have requested “two physically robust reinforcements” to suit his preferred style.
Speaking after the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on BBC Match of the Day, Nuno said:
“We know our situation is difficult, but I believe in this group. January offers a chance to rebalance — we need experience and aggression.”
His comments echoed the sentiment from West Ham chairman David Sullivan, who told TalkSPORT:
“Nuno has our full support. We’ll do what’s necessary but within reason. Survival remains our only priority.”
What role will Declan Rice’s transfer legacy play in funding signings?
Despite cashing in over £100 million from Declan Rice’s summer sale to Arsenal, not all funds remain available due to amortisation structures and prior reinvestments.
According to The Guardian, a significant portion of the Rice fee went toward transfers for James Ward-Prowse, Mohammed Kudus, and Edson Álvarez, leaving “little headroom” before hitting the FFP threshold.
Football finance analyst Swiss Ramble explained via X (formerly Twitter) that
“West Ham’s gross spend across two windows, combined with wages and amortisation, places them near the Premier League’s regulatory limit.”
This financial landscape reinforces the likelihood of at least two player sales before new arrivals are finalised.
When does the January transfer window close?
The January transfer window officially opens on 1 January 2026 and closes at 11pm GMT on 31 January 2026. However, according to the Premier League’s official guidance, international deals can be processed slightly later under the “deal sheet” extension protocol.
Sky Sports reported that West Ham’s sporting director Tim Steidten will lead negotiations throughout deadline day, operating from the club’s Rush Green base. Steidten is expected to focus on “opportunistic late moves” if early targets become unattainable.
What can fans expect on deadline day?
As per West Ham Zone, the club is preparing for “an intense final 48 hours” of January, monitoring potential loan opportunities and player exchanges. Nuno Espírito Santo aims to finalise at least two key recruits before midnight on deadline day.
Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano emphasised via Caught Offside Daily Briefing that “West Ham are expected to be active late in the window,” with one eye on a Premier League-ready striker and another on outgoings that can free wage space.
Meanwhile, supporters’ group WHUISA (West Ham United Independent Supporters Association) urged transparency from the board regarding the long-term strategy. A statement published on the group’s website read:
“Fans deserve clarity. We understand short-term priorities, but the recruitment vision must align with the club’s Premier League identity.”
