Everything Nuno Espirito Santo has said about Adama Traore as West Ham eye January transfer
West Ham United could use the January transfer window to ease their relegation concerns with Nuno Espirito Santo adding multiple names to his shortlist.
Firstly, the Hammers could see some names exiting the London Stadium, with Football Insider revealing that Bundesliga clubs are interested in Niclas Fullkrug.
The German international has struggled since joining West Ham from Borussia Dortmund last summer, scoring just three Premier League goals in 2024/25.
Fullkrug’s potential exit could open the door for a new striker to join, with West Ham showing interest in Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United and Chelsea’s Tyrique George.
Nuno could also bolster his wide areas by capturing Adama Traore from Fulham, someone he worked with at Wolves.
West Ham plotting January transfer for Adama Traore
According to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett, West Ham are exploring a possible deal for Traore ahead of the January transfer window.
#whufc interested in a possible deal for #fulham Adama Traore in January. Nuno has a very close relationship with the winger from #wwfc days, and has tried to sign him before. Deal could be done, with Traore contract expiring this summer.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) November 11, 2025
Dorsett cites that Nuno has a ‘close relationship’ with the powerful Spaniard after working with him for four years at Molineux.
Traore sees his contract expire at Craven Cottage in the summer, which could potentially open the door for the Hammers to strike a cut-price deal.
Formerly of Aston Villa, Barcelona and Middlesbrough, the 29-year-old has made just two Premier League starts this term and has failed to impress Marco Silva.
| Adama Traore’s record under Nuno Espirito Santo |
| 131 appearances |
| 10 goals |
| 18 assists |
But the opportunity to work under Nuno once more can arguably prove fruitful for Traore, who enjoyed his time with the Portuguese boss.
What Nuno Espirito Santo has said about Traore
Nuno tried to sign Traore for Nottingham Forest during the summer, but nothing materialised despite holding talks over a late move to the City Ground.
Known for his unstoppable pace and power, the Fulham speedster has previously drawn admiration from the West Ham manager, who once labelled him ‘unique’ in March 2019.
“It’s one of the things he can do,” Nuno said via Sky Sports. “Adama is unique worldwide. He always has space to give things to the team.
“His speed, his one-versus-one, there are not many players that can achieve these kind of performances.
“It’s not about that (persuading him). In that moment the team required that option.
“You can see both wing-backs did not play that game. It goes back to what we want for the squad. We don’t have to persuade him, what we need to do is make him believe.”
Traore was also told to improve his final ball by Nuno at the start of 2019, something he’s struggled with throughout his career.
“He brings an element of speed, unpredictability, quality and at the same time he must improve in all the aspects of the game,” he said.
“Players who play in the last line of the pitch, the most difficult line to play, have to have these characteristics. Talent, this is what you expect from them.”