Getting to the January window without having slipped behind the pack is Nuno Espirito Santo’s priority at West Ham. Such are the lowered, limited expectations now after the crashing reality check that was the Brentford defeat. The Hammers head to potential relegation rivals Leeds United today with Nuno’s hope for improved nt scarcely the only upbeat note.
Fans have had enough of ‘hopes’ being dashed by successive managers to keep their optimism shackled for the time being: We’ll reserve judgement until the team announcement tonight.
Whoever is in the starting line-up, West Ham need additions in all three areas of the pitch. Whist the midfield – of Nuno could, possibly, pick the ‘right’ starters – could be regarded as ‘fixed’ with the younger pacy trio of Fernandes, Magass and Potts all available. Up front is another story.
January priority must be a Premier League-level forward
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So the Hammers links with Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee were seen as very real evidence of the Irons desires to strengthen forward options, until, that is, suggestions that Zirkzee could leave were [quashed last week](https://www.claretandhugh.info/no-desire-to-let-him-go-hammers-january-striker-plans-go-up-in-smoke/).
In what would be a big ‘u’ turn, Ruben Amorim is reported to have sanctioned the forward’s departure: Reported by [metro.co.uk](https://metro.co.uk/2025/10/23/ruben-amorim-agrees-sell-erik-ten-hags-36-5m-man-utd-signing-24510190/) last night:
“_Ruben Amorim has decided to move on from Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee after he asked to leave Old Trafford… Zirzkee is keen to get more regular minutes as he still has aspirations of making the Netherlands’ World Cup squad…Roma and Napoli were said to be admirers of the Dutch forward despite his difficult spell in Manchester, while Premier League rivals West Ham have also been linked with a move.”_
The forward has been an underperformer amongst many at Old Trafford: Whether he is the answer to West Ham’s lack of options in front of goal is arguable but he certainly represents a big improvement on current options. Probably a loan with option deal would suit Sullivan’s pocket, meaning he wouldn’t have to shell out for the forward until and unless Premier League survival was assured.