West Ham can repeat Jarrod Bowen masterstroke with ‘unbelievable’ signing
Nuno Espirito Santo must address multiple positions in the January transfer window to drag West Ham United to Premier League safety.
The Hammers have endured a tough start to the 2025/26 campaign, although back-to-back wins over Newcastle United and Burnley have somewhat eased the pressure on Nuno.
West Ham beat Burnley 3-2 last time out to move level on points with the Clarets and are now only inside the bottom three on goal difference.
But whilst some rare positivity has emerged, Matt Le Tissier still thinks West Ham are weak in two positions, most notably central midfield and at striker.
Nuno wants those problem areas plugged in January, and yet, there is still another issue that needs resolving.
West Ham should go for Hull City centre-back Charlie Hughes
Defensively, the Hammers have been a shambles across the first 11 matches. West Ham have conceded the most goals from set-pieces, while allowing the second-most (xGA) expected goals against (21.29).
Meanwhile, only Wolves (25) have shipped more goals than Nuno’s side (23), and that has become a major problem.
So, with the January transfer window on the horizon, surely the relegation candidates will look to invest in central defence, and Hull City’s Charlie Hughes is someone they should have on their radar.
Hughes has been ‘unbelievable’ for the Tigers since joining from Wigan Athletic in 2024, but has gone to the next level under new boss Sergej Jakirovic.
Combining calmness in possession with some excellent long-range passing and an ability to read danger, the 22-year-old is becoming one of the Championship’s best ball-playing defenders.
| Charlie Hughes 2025/26 Hull City per 90 stats |
| 82.4% pass completion |
| 1.14 progressive carries |
| 3.93 progressive passes |
| 0.5 successful take-ons |
| 2.43 blocks |
| 9.29 clearances |
| 1.43 tackles |
Hughes proved that during Hull’s 3-2 win over Portsmouth on Saturday, as his exceptional pinpoint long ball picked out Joe Gelhardt, who calmly lobbed his winning effort over Josef Bursik.
Big performance from @CharlieHughes32 on Saturday! 💪 #hcafc pic.twitter.com/EJuyGof4NT
— Hull City (@HullCity) November 11, 2025
Despite being known for his elegance on the ball and ability under pressure, the former Wigan youngster is also no-nonsense with his approach, ranking in the top eight per cent of Championship defenders for clearances and the top two per cent for blocks.
The Englishman looks destined to go to the very top, and with Max Kilman potentially joining Crystal Palace, he would be a fine long-term replacement.
West Ham can repeat Jarrod Bowen masterstroke
West Ham are no strangers to investing in top Championship talent, doing so with Mateus Fernandes in 2025 and Crysencio Summerville in 2024.
But topping their list of success stories from the second tier is undoubtedly Jarrod Bowen, who was captured from Hull for just £22million in January 2020.
Bowen has since witnessed his career go from strength to strength, becoming captain of the Hammers and establishing himself as an England international.
That is a trajectory Hughes could follow if he completes a move to West Ham, and exactly why Nuno must make a move in January.