Transfer News

Matt Jarvis issues his seal of approval as West Ham land Adama Traore deal

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Adama Traore is in line to make his West Ham United debut on Saturday after completing his move from Fulham.

On Wednesday, Traore officially joined West Ham United from Fulham in a move that reunites him with Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nuno worked with Traore at Wolves and is believed to have been the driving force behind West Ham’s interest in the 30-year-old during the January transfer window. 

Adama Traore thinks West Ham will STAY up 👀 How much more confident are you now that we’ve signed him?

Hit the comments on how you actually feel, I know he divides opinion 😂

Adama Traore's quotes after signing for West Ham United on 28/01/2026.
Credit: Getty Images/James Baylis – AMA

It will be fascinating to see how everything develops. Nuno is excited to work with Traore at West Ham and there’s little doubt the Portuguese coach yielded the best performances of the player’s career during their time together at Wolves.

While it’s difficult to know what the former Barcelona youngster will bring to the party in terms of goals and assists, it’s clear that he can provide something. 

Indeed, former Hammer Matt Jarvis knows exactly what that is.

Matt Jarvis praises West Ham’s move to sign Adama Traore

Hammers News understands that Nuno is hopeful that Traore can provide his side with an outlet.

That doesn’t necessarily mean he will be deployed at wing-back, just that he is of the profile to drag his team up the pitch.

There is more to Traore’s game than purely pace and power, of course. He has played very well under Nuno before, providing key goals and assists. 

Still, they are not a certainty. What is for certain, however, is that Traore will bring a physicality to the team, someone capable of giving the opposition something to think about.

As images of Traore in a Hammers shirt were posted on West Ham’s official Instagram page, Jarvis – who played for the club between 2012 and 2016 – simply responded with a speed emoji.

West Ham did all they could but Lucas Paqueta STILL wanted out! 😡

Do you respect his stance? Or do you feel let down? Hit the comments 👇

A graphic showing West Ham's statement on selling Lucas Paqueta.
Credit: Getty Images/Marc Atkins

What has Nuno said about West Ham signing Adama Traore?

Traore is a big fan of Nuno’s coaching work, so it does feel like a logical move. 

The Hammers boss needs players he can rely on given West Ham’s precarious position in the Premier League right now.

Nuno, despite all the speculation over his future, has been backed during the January transfer window.

It’s understood that all of Pablo Felipe, Taty Castellanos and now Traore are signings he pushed for.

Adama Traore playing for Fulham against Wolves.
Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images

The 52-year-old is delighted about landing Traore, too.

After the news was confirmed, Nuno told West Ham’s official website: “He is someone I obviously know well from our time together at Wolves, and I am looking forward to working with him again. 

“Adama is someone who knows the Premier League very well, and his unique qualities as a player will help us between now and the end of the season.

“He will give us a different option in attacking areas. He is also very motivated to fight for us and ready to bring energy, commitment and determination to our challenge.”