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West Ham are preparing for what could prove to be a season-defining January transfer window, with the chairman David Sullivan and manager Nuno Espírito Santo identifying a new striker as one of their top priorities amid Niclas Fullkrug’s imminent departure.
Fullkrug has decided to pursue fresh opportunities when the winter window opens, with his representatives already exploring possibilities in Germany and elsewhere (Fabrizio Romano).
The veteran forward, who’s suffered from a plague of injury issues ever since arriving in East London, aims to revive his international prospects ahead of the 2026 World Cup, viewing a January exit as essential to secure his place in Germany’s squad.
West Ham’s spending power remains limited following their £131 million summer outlay, meaning they may need to balance incoming and outgoing transfers carefully, which adds another layer of complexity as the hierarchy make clear they won’t sanction Fullkrug’s exit until a suitable replacement arrives (Claret & Hugh).
West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far |
|---|
Sunderland 3-0 West Ham |
West Ham 1-5 Chelsea |
Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham |
West Ham 0-3 Tottenham |
West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace |
Everton 1-1 West Ham |
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham |
West Ham 0-2 Brentford |
Leeds 2-1 West Ham |
West Ham 3-1 Newcastle |
West Ham 3-2 Burnley |
The Irons want a permanent sale rather than a loan for the striker, with German clubs Hamburg and Stuttgart, as well as AC Milan, expressing interest (TEAMtalk).
Meanwhile, midfielder Guido Rodriguez wants to leave as he chases World Cup selection with Argentina, attracting attention from Marcello Gallardo’s River Plate alongside several European clubs. James Ward-Prowse is another player destined for the West Ham exit door, with Lucas Paqueta is reportedly considering his options as well
With Nuno’s side languishing in 18th and staring at a relegation dogfight, January represents their best chance to course-correct, and any funds acquired from these potential sales could be put towards a cut-price move for the Fulham winger Adama Traore.
The Spaniard, who was once on fire under Nuno at Wolves, is attracting serious interest from West Ham, and Fulham could be forced to sell on the cheap with his contract expiring at the end of this season.
Now, an update has come to light on the situation, courtesy of TEAMtalk and reporter Dean Jones.
West Ham gave ‘approval’ to sign Adama Traoré in January
West Ham have been given encouragement in their pursuit of Traore, with Fulham now willing to entertain offers for the winger and set to ‘approve’ his sale.
The Whites are planning a squad overhaul as manager Marco Silva targets up to three new signings following a disappointing campaign that has left them 15th with only three wins. Traore represents an opportunity for them to raise funds and recover some value, so a London Stadium switch may be on the cards for him.
The ex-Barcelona loanee flourished under Nuno at Wolves, making 131 appearances and racking up 28 goal contributions during their successful partnership, and sources indicate that West Ham will make contact before the window officially opens to explore whether a deal can be done.
“Adama is unique all over football, there is no player like him,” Nuno said about Traore in 2021.
“The moment we and the team-mates realize how good Adama can be, I hope I will be here to see it. He is very special. I am always hoping for that special thing to happen, but it is there, there is no doubt about it.”
Traore, while mostly impressing at Molineux, has enjoyed his moments in a Fulham shirt too.
The 29-year-old was a mainstay for Silva last season, making 41 appearances in all competitions and registering nine assists, so his best years may not be a thing of the past just yet.
His pace and directness has been a nightmare for Premier League opponents to defend at times, and he’s offered Nuno something very different out wide for a potentially affordable fee.
