It looked for all the world that Fulham winger Adama Traore, a long-standing favourite of Nuno Espirito Santo’s, would be the first new face through the door at West Ham United in 2026.
Could he even make his Hammers debut against the club where he really made his name in English football?
Even Pep Guardiola could not find an answer to Adama Traore’s bludgeoning brilliance for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Europa League-bothering Wolves outfit.
So if anyone could get the former Barcelona speedster performing at peak-Premier League level again, it is surely the man in the West Ham United hotseat.
Now, all the signs still point to Adama Traore ending the month in claret and blue. Albeit, his Nuno reunion will now come about later than initially planned.
Adama Traore has a dismal minutes-to-goal record in the Premier League 😲
West Ham are sleepwalking towards relegation with this transfer…
The Sun report that Marco Silva’s Fulham plan to keep hold of Traore until fellow wideman Samu Chukwueze returns from the African Cup of Nations. In the meantime, West Ham have made serious progress in pursuit of Pablo of Gil Vicente.
Lazio’s Taty Castellanos is expected to join as well for a further £27 million.
Given that West Ham remain in talks for Charlie Cresswell at Toulouse, as Utrecht open the door for Souffian El Karouani to make a switch of his own, there is now a real chance that Traore becomes signing number five, rather than arrival number one.
Marco Silva speaks out on Adama Traore as West Ham United continue Fulham talks
Now, Fulham coach Marco Silva was asked about Traore’s future in the aftermath of the 1-1 draw with London neighbours Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day. The jet-heeled 29-year-old played the final few minutes off the bench at Selhurst Park.
And as long as no fee is agreed with the Hammers, Traore will remain a part of Silva’s plans.
“Adama is working, like the others. He’s been involved in the preparation for the last [few] games and will be involved again,” Silva said, via the Hounslow Herald. “So far, the club didn’t receive any offer for Adama.
“Right now, no [there is nothing to officially announce].
“It’s been a very busy period and I’m going to repeat the same thing again; When it’s something new to announce, the club is going to announce to you.”
Fulham want £5 million as Nuno looks to reunite with former Wolves favourite
Interestingly, Silva’s comments about a lack of bids is in contrast to what Hammers News were told in the last few days.
We learned that West Ham failed with an opening bid of £3.5 million. Fulham are holding out for £5 million. Traore out of contract this summer. Therefore, a compromise is likely to be reached, with the final fee probably landing somewhere in between.
Played for both – West Ham and Wolves! 🤝
Who would you pick from this XI to play for the Hammers today?
Spanish publication Diario AS add that Traore will sign an initial short-term contract for the remainder of the season, with the option of a two-year extension.
For all the criticism surrounding his end product, or an alleged lack thereof, Traore did actually provide seven Premier League assists last season. That was his best return since the 2019/20 season under another Iberian tactician.
“Nuno has been a massive figure for me,” the one-time Aston Villa and Middlesbrough man told The Mirror back in 2020 while at Wolves. “It’s the confidence he gives me.
“That is massive for a player. Maybe you think it’s just me but, if you ask any of the guys, they will tell you that the confidence of the manager is as important as the training you go to on a daily basis.
“A lot has changed for me but the football ability has always been there. It’s just [I needed] a little bit of adjusting.”
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
