Nuno could look to reunite with a former player at West Ham.placeholder image
Nuno could look to reunite with a former player at West Ham. | AFP via Getty Images
Nuno Espirito Santo worked with the winger when at Wolves and could seek to bring his drive to West Ham.
West Ham could look to make a January transfer swoop for Fulham winger Adama Traore in a bid to add dynamism to the squad under Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Hammers’ defensive record has been the main concern so far this season, shipping 16 goals in the league. That’s the worst record in the division, but a lack of threat at the opposite end of the pitch has also been an issue.
West Ham have only scored more than one goal in a match on one occasion this season and are struggling to create enough opportunities. Adding impetus into the team’s attacking moves is set to be a priority come January.
West Ham linked with Fulham transfer
Former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson was signed on a free transfer this summer to ease some of the goalscoring burden, but is yet to play under Nuno with youngster Callum Marshall preferred off the bench against Arsenal.
Adama is now known for being prolific in front of goal but would certainly add pace and a determination to drive up the field that would benefit West Ham. He has started just one Premier League match for Fulham this season and it could be a viable swoop for the Hammers.
That’s certainly what former West Ham scout Mick Brown thinks. He told Football Insider: “Traore has always been a player who promises a lot and delivers little. He’s got unbelievable pace and power, even if the end product doesn’t match that, and that’s something which can be an asset for any team.
“There are obviously concerns that he doesn’t score or assist enough, but Nuno knows him and has worked with him before, so he’ll know all about that. He likes to have direct wingers who are willing to run at their man and drag the team up the pitch on the counter attack, and that’s what Traore would bring.
“So if he’s going to be available in January or at the end of the year, it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see him make that move to play under Nuno again. I hear West Ham look like they’re going to back the manager to bring in players who suit the way he plays, so we’ll see if he’s one they go for.”
Adama labelled ‘unstoppable’ by Pep Guardiola
Nuno and Traore worked together at Wolves and the report adds that the former Nottingham Forest boss tried to bring the player to the City Ground this summer, confirming his ongoing admiration of the forward. Traore has 252 Premier League appearances to his name.
It’s not just Nuno who is a big fan of the winger and what he can bring. Traore has received praise from the likes of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in the past, with the manager labelling him as ‘unstoppable’ after one match.
Manchester City beat Fulham 3-2 last October but, after the game, Guardiola said: "Adama, he's unstoppable that game. We couldn't control when he had the ball. You have to defend in your 18-yard box."
In other news, Nuno Espirito Santo tipped to offload West Ham player Graham Potter thought was 'amazing'.
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