(Credit: Imago/Manh Tung - Breaking Media)

West Ham could have agreed more January deals, they are facing ‘big problem’

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

Published on:

09 Feb 2026, 12:30 pm

West Ham have given themselves a chance of staying up this season following their strong recent run of form.

West Ham secured a 2-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday (7 February), making it three wins out of their past four Premier League games.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are now within three points of fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest, who lost 3-1 against fellow relegation candidates Leeds United on Friday (6 February).

West Ham signed Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea on deadline day (2 February), strengthening their defensive options before the window closed.

Nuno Espirito Santo clapping his hands as West Ham manager

Nuno Espirito Santo's side agreed a loan deal with Chelsea for Axel Disasi (Credit: Imago)

How West Ham tried to agree 'really hard' January deals

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider West Ham could have done more before the transfer window closed as they look to avoid relegation this season.

The Hammers agreed permanent deals for Taty Castellanos, Pablo Felipe and Adama Traore, while Keiber Lamadrid also joined on loan from Venezuelan side Deportivo La Guaira.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider before the victory over Burnley, Borson said: “I think they could have done more in January, but they're in a difficult position.

“It's the flip side of the Liverpool situation, where they’ve got the big prize of the Champions League. You do need some investment to try and capture those prizes, but if you miss that prize, then you're in trouble because you've obviously got the relegation issue.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan observes from a balcony.

David Sullivan tried to bring in more signings during the January transfer window (Credit: Imago)

“I'm sure they tried for lots of loan players. There's a limit to how many loan players you can have, but I'm sure they tried for deals that would not give them a problem if the worst happens and they get relegated. Those deals are really hard to do.”

Why West Ham are in 'real trouble' amid relegation fears

Borson insisted West Ham have a “big problem” due to the number of teams they could finish above, with fifth-bottom Leeds sitting six points above them in the table.

“They probably think the squad itself is good enough to survive, notwithstanding the league position right now,” said Borson.

Nuno Espirito Santo on the touchline at West Ham

Nuno Espirito Santo has overseen a strong run of form at the London Stadium (Credit: Imago)

“But they have got a big problem just looking at the league table. Who are they going to finish above of that bunch above them?

“West Ham are in real trouble, that's for sure. That is clearly not an exclusive.”

West Ham’s next fixture sees them take on in-form Man United at the London Stadium on Tuesday (10 February).

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