Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Mon 6 April 2026 18:00, UK

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West Ham United winger Adama Traore must be closer to seeing his contract extended beyond this summer after his strong performance in the FA Cup against Leeds.

Traore was the Hammers’ main attacking driving force in their cup quarter-final defeat to Leeds on Sunday at the London Stadium.

He put in his finest performance since joining the club in January from Fulham for around £2million, which saw him link up with Nuno Espirito Santo after their previous time together at Wolves.

The 30-year-old initially signed a short-term contract with the club, but they do have the option to extend it by another season this summer.

West Ham’s financial situation means they may not be able to spend much this summer, especially if they are relegated, with Traore surely closer to penning fresh terms after his latest fine showing.

Adama Traore was West Ham’s best player vs Leeds

Traore still possesses most of the blistering pace that saw him become such a threat under Nuno at Wolves, which was on full show against Leeds despite the Hammers’ defeat on penalties.

He kept taking the ball from near the halfway line and cruising past the visitors’ midfield, while also leading the press alongside Taty Castellanos.

His assist for Axel Disasi’s added-time equaliser was a sumptuous cross that the Whites could not defend against, with Joe Cole heralding Traore’s performance as “superb” up against James Justin on the right.

Traore’s fine performance will surely raise questions around his contract length, as he approaches the end of his initial terms this summer.

Nuno is clearly a keen admirer of his talents, having brought him in to help keep the Hammers up, and has now got to be considering getting the Spaniard tied down to an improved deal before the season ends.

What did Traore say about West Ham and Nuno after Leeds loss?

It remains to be seen if Traore would want to stay at West Ham if they are relegated, but he clearly also enjoys playing under Nuno and may well want to continue doing so, regardless of what happens.

Speaking to The Athletic after the Leeds game, he said: “I love the identity of the club and the fans who are passionate like me. I want to play and do well under a manager I know.”

Sources have told Football Insider that Traore could look to leave West Ham this summer, but those quotes definitely highlight a potential willingness to stay at the London Stadium.

The decision on whether the option in his contract is exercised looks set to rest with Nuno and the Hammers’ board, and they will surely want to if he keeps playing how he did against Leeds.