“Nuno’s Five Keys: Who Could Be Dragged Through the London Stadium Gates in January?”
The appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo as the new head coach of West Ham United has thrilled a section of the fan base, but it also raises the inevitable question: which players will he bring in to remake the squad in his image? Sources close to the club suggest that the board has given him leeway to shape the team, and whispers are already swirling about five players who could represent Nuno’s first major moves in the upcoming January (and summer) window.
1. Ibrahim Sangaré
Perhaps the most obvious target, Sangaré is someone with whom Nuno already shares a strong professional bond. The Ivorian midfielder featured under the Portuguese boss at Nottingham Forest, and reports suggest Nuno has long admired his work rate and defensive tenacity. (West Ham World)
While injuries and a shift in priorities under Forest’s new manager Ange Postecoglou have limited Sangaré’s involvement, this could open the door for a switch to east London. (Nottingham Forest News)
2. Soungoutou Magassa
Another mid‑tier gamble, Magassa has been linked with West Ham prior to Nuno’s arrival and is seen by many as a midfield talent waiting to break out. (West Ham Zone)
Under Potter, he was rarely given consistent minutes, but under Nuno’s system he could flourish, especially in a role that demands both defensive diligence and forward transitions. (West Ham Zone)
3. Adama Traoré
West Ham have reportedly identified pace and counterattacking threat as priorities under their new coach, and among the names floated is Adama Traoré. (Hammers News)
Traoré is a player Nuno once tried to sign, and his sheer physicality and speed would give the Hammers a weapon in wide areas. While his end product tends to be questioned, in Nuno’s preferred system his role might become more defined—and complementary to more creative attackers.
4. Crysencio Summerville
A less flashy but intriguing possibility is Crysencio Summerville. Nuno reportedly eyed Summerville in his Forest days, and West Ham were linked with the winger during the summer. (Hammers News)
His directness and ability to cut inside could make him a tactical asset down the flanks. If West Ham can win the race for him, he may provide the kind of attacking width and unpredictability they currently lack.
5. Max Kilman
This final name is perhaps more speculative—but logical given Nuno’s familiarity with Kilman from their time at Wolves. (Football Insider)
With West Ham conceding heavily in recent matches, strengthening the spine of the defense is vital. Reuniting with Kilman would give Nuno a trusted option in the center‑back area, someone who blends solidity and composure.
Why These Five, and What They Signal
Taken together, these players suggest Nuno is aiming for a squad built on ball winning, rapid transitions, physicality, and defensive resilience.
- Sangaré and Magassa would shore up the midfield engine room—able to close down opponents and recycle possession.
- Traoré and Summerville offer the threat and dynamism down wide that could unlock stubborn defences.
- Kilman would help address defensive frailties and bring calm in the backline.
Of course, not all moves may come to pass. Transfers depend on club finances, selling clubs’ willingness, and player interest. But what these names represent is Nuno’s blueprint: turning West Ham into a team that counters ruthlessly, presses intelligently, and defends with purpose.
As winter turns to summer, expect shrewd, targeted signings rather than blockbuster splashes. Nuno will look to bring in those he trusts—and those who fit his vision. If he succeeds even partly, West Ham’s transformation could start to gather real momentum.
