West Ham urged to make decisive January moves for Chelsea and Fulham stars

Nuno’s rebuild demands January clarity

West Ham United’s manager Nuno Espirito Santo faces a crucial January transfer window as he looks to reshape a squad still carrying the imprint of his predecessors. The Portuguese coach is said to be working closely with recruitment staff to identify targets capable of reigniting the Hammers’ stuttering season, with two names emerging at the top of his wish list, according to London World.

Nuno’s early weeks have shown glimpses of progress but also highlighted deep-rooted squad imbalances. Senior players such as James Ward-Prowse and Jean-Clair Todibo have been omitted from recent matchday squads, while academy striker Callum Marshall has been preferred over more established names. “This is not yet Nuno’s team,” one club source reportedly noted, reflecting a need for reinforcements that suit his tactical demands.

With the winter window notoriously difficult, the focus is on pragmatism and value. Two attainable targets, Fulham’s Adama Traore and Chelsea’s Tyrique George, could represent smart, timely investments.

Adama Traore viewed as short-term solution

West Ham’s attack has lacked directness, and a loan deal for Fulham winger Adama Traore could inject pace and unpredictability. The 29-year-old has played just 143 Premier League minutes this season and may be available for a temporary switch.

“West Ham could make a move to bring Traore to West Ham in a reunion with Nuno,” Football Insider reported, noting that the pair worked together previously. Nuno “loves the forward,” having attempted to sign him at Nottingham Forest before taking over at the London Stadium.

While Traore’s end product remains inconsistent, his power, dribbling and ability to relieve pressure make him an asset in transition. As one recruitment source put it, “He is a player who can make things happen when others are static.”

For a squad short of impact options, a short-term deal until the summer could be a low-risk way to re-energise the attack.

Tyrique George seen as long-term project

At the other end of the spectrum, West Ham’s recruitment team are said to be exploring a permanent move for Chelsea’s 19-year-old striker Tyrique George, valued at around £22 million. Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol has claimed that the young forward is “likely to leave” Stamford Bridge in January, with several top European clubs monitoring his situation.

George saw a proposed £22 million switch to Fulham collapse in the summer but remains a player of interest to multiple Premier League and continental sides. Despite just one league goal from 11 top-flight appearances, his technique and temperament have impressed Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

“I think he was good. I was very happy for him to make his debut,” Maresca said. “The most important thing is he was not shy because he played with personality. This is important for a young player.”

West Ham’s appeal lies in the potential to offer first-team football, a key factor for a player of George’s ambition. Given the club’s longer-term issues in recruitment, securing a high-upside striker could represent the start of a more sustainable strategy.

Investment needed to match ambition

As the London World report concludes, the January window will test whether West Ham’s board are prepared to match Nuno’s intent with financial backing. The combination of a short-term spark in Traore and long-term promise in George would give balance to the rebuild.

Nuno’s side require pace, personality and goals, and both targets tick those boxes in different ways. The coming weeks will reveal whether West Ham can act decisively before another opportunity passes.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Nuno Espirito Santo’s reported push for both Adama Traore and Tyrique George suggests a dual-track approach: one player to deliver immediate energy and another to build toward the future. Many fans would view that as smart business, provided the club follow through.

Traore’s pace and physicality would give West Ham a much-needed edge in matches that have drifted, while George’s raw ability could excite supporters tired of recycled signings past their peak. For £22 million, the Chelsea prospect represents the kind of calculated gamble fans want the club to take, ambitious yet grounded.

The concern, however, remains the board’s hesitancy in past windows. Supporters will expect clear backing for Nuno, not half-measures. After a sluggish start to the season, intent in January could define the campaign. Two deals, sensible in structure and bold in execution, might be the difference between stagnation and resurgence.