West Ham Near £2m Traore Deal Nuno Requested

Key Points

• West Ham United are closing in on a deal to sign Fulham winger Adama Traore, described as a “unique” new forward.
• The signing was specifically requested by West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
• Traore’s transfer fee has dropped significantly to around £2m from Fulham’s initial £7m demand, with only six months left on his contract.
• Nuno expressed dissatisfaction with recent signing Keiber Lamadrid, calling him a young player not ready for first-team action and urging more immediate reinforcements.
• West Ham are five points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest in the Premier League relegation battle.
• The Hammers face Sunderland at the London Stadium this afternoon amid their fight for survival.
• Nuno emphasised the need for the club to focus on “now” rather than future prospects, stating the squad requires rebalancing.
• Fulham, under Marco Silva, had been playing hardball but are now willing to sanction Traore’s departure.
• This move follows earlier reports at the end of December confirming Nuno’s personal request for Traore, the former Barcelona player.

London (East London Times) January 24, 2026 – West Ham United are on the verge of securing a crucial deal for Fulham winger Adama Traore, a “unique” forward personally requested by manager Nuno Espirito Santo, as the Hammers battle Premier League relegation.

Why Is West Ham Targeting Adama Traore Now?

West Ham’s pursuit of Adama Traore has intensified amid their precarious position in the Premier League standings. The club sit five points adrift of safety, trailing 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, with a vital home match against Sunderland looming at the London Stadium this afternoon. As reported by Football FanCast, West Ham are closing in on the “unique” new signing to bolster their attack before the February 2nd transfer deadline. Traore, the former Barcelona man, represents a direct response to Nuno’s calls for first-team ready players.

Nuno’s frustration with recent business was evident following the arrival of Venezuelan winger Keiber Lamadrid. According to Football FanCast, the 51-year-old manager stated:

“He’s a young player that the club brings in. He’s in pre-season, not really ready to play. But we will assess him and see.”

He further clarified the club’s differing priorities, saying:

“The club normally seeks players for the future, young players that can help us. What I’m focussed on is now, how important our situation is. The club knows the profiles that we need. They need to rebalance the squad.”​

This urgency stems from West Ham’s dire need to avoid the drop, with Premier League safety hanging by a thread. Hammers News provided the latest update, confirming that West Ham are now close to securing Traore’s signature, as Fulham finally relent after initial resistance.​

Who Is Adama Traore and Why Is He “Unique”?

Adama Traore, the 29-year-old Spanish forward currently at Fulham, has long been hailed for his exceptional physical attributes and pace, earning him the “unique” moniker among scouts and managers. Previously with Barcelona’s youth setup and spells at Middlesbrough and Wolves, Traore’s direct dribbling style could provide West Ham with the dynamism lacking in their forward line. Football FanCast highlighted his potential impact, noting the end-of-December revelation that Nuno had personally requested his signing.​

Fulham, managed by Marco Silva, had initially demanded £7m for Traore despite only six months remaining on his contract, attempting to maximise value in the January window. However, as detailed in Hammers News, the Cottagers are now willing to sanction a departure for around £2m—a significant reduction that makes the deal viable for West Ham. This fee reflects Traore’s contract situation and Fulham’s shifting stance after playing hardball earlier.​

Traore’s “unique” qualities—blistering speed reaching 36.6 km/h, raw power, and ability to terrorise defenders—align perfectly with Nuno’s vision for squad rebalancing. His Premier League pedigree, including memorable Wolves campaigns, positions him as an immediate threat rather than a long-term project.

What Did Nuno Say About Needing More Signings?

Nuno Espirito Santo has been vocal about West Ham’s transfer needs, particularly after the Keiber Lamadrid addition failed to excite him. Football FanCast quoted the Portuguese coach directly:

“He’s a young player that the club brings in. He’s in pre-season, not really ready to play. But we will assess him and see. The club normally seeks players for the future, young players that can help us. What I’m focussed on is now, how important our situation is.”​

This statement underscores a rift between Nuno’s present-focused strategy and the club’s youth-oriented recruitment. He reiterated:

“The club knows the profiles that we need. They need to rebalance the squad.”

OneFootball corroborated Nuno’s urging for more signings, linking it to the Lamadrid deal’s limitations.​

Nuno’s personal endorsement of Traore, first reported at the end of December by Football FanCast, signals his hands-on role in transfers. The 51-year-old’s insistence on experienced players like Traore reflects the high stakes, with West Ham desperate to close the gap to safety.

How Close Is the Deal for Traore?

According to Hammers News, West Ham are now close to securing Traore’s signature, with Fulham prepared to let him go for £2m after holding out for £7m. The report states:

“West Ham are now close to securing Traore’s signature, with the Cottagers finally willing to sanction a departure, having tried to play hardball earlier in the transfer window.”​

This development follows weeks of negotiation, where Marco Silva’s side leveraged Traore’s contract expiry but ultimately compromised. Football FanCast’s coverage aligns, noting the deal’s progression as a win for Nuno’s requests. The £2m fee represents shrewd business for West Ham, freeing funds for at least one more signing, as Hammers News also mentioned the club making room in the squad.​

No official announcement has come from either club, but sources indicate a swift resolution before the Sunderland clash, providing a timely boost.

What Is West Ham’s Relegation Battle Like?

West Ham face a real battle for survival, currently five points behind Nottingham Forest in 17th. Their upcoming fixture against Sunderland at the London Stadium this afternoon is pivotal, offering a chance to narrow the gap. Football FanCast emphasised the pressure:

“The Hammers have a real battle on their hands, considering they are currently five points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.”​

Nuno’s focus on “now” highlights the gravity, with the February 2nd deadline looming. The Traore pursuit is part of a busy January, but Lamadrid’s inexperience has amplified calls for proven talent. Success here could rebalance the squad and ignite a survival push.

Why Did Fulham Lower Their Demands?

Fulham’s initial £7m valuation for Traore, despite his expiring deal, aimed to extract maximum value. Hammers News reported:

“Marco Silva’s side were holding out for £7m, despite the winger having just six months remaining on his contract, but a deal is now expected to go through for around £2m, a significant reduction.”​

This shift likely stems from Fulham’s mid-table comfort and willingness to cash in on a fringe player. Traore’s limited starts under Silva made him expendable, paving the way for West Ham’s bargain.

When Does the Transfer Window Close?

The Premier League transfer window shuts on February 2nd, giving West Ham a narrow window to finalise Traore’s move and potentially others. Nuno’s urgency, as quoted by Football FanCast, ties directly to this deadline: “What I’m focussed on is now.”​

Hammers News suggested the club is preparing for at least one more addition, indicating Traore won’t be the last. This timeline aligns with their relegation fight, making swift action essential.

Background on Nuno’s Influence at West Ham

Nuno Espirito Santo, appointed amid West Ham’s struggles, has quickly stamped his authority on transfers. His personal request for Traore, per Football FanCast’s December report, underscores his proactive approach. At 51, Nuno blends experience from Wolves and Tottenham with a clear vision for survival.