Nuno Espirito Santo looking sternly at West Ham badge in circular inset
Credit: Imago
Kyrenia Shipillis
Wed 29 October 2025 12:10, UK
Nuno Espirito Santo will be looking to feast during the January transfer window after a difficult start to the season for West Ham United.
The Hammers have had one of their worst starts to a Premier League season in years.
Nuno replaced Graham Potter last month but has yet to win a game of football as head coach.
Indeed, the Hammers have lost their last three league games with the most recent being West Ham’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds United.
As a result, Nuno will be spearheading change at the London Stadium, and January is set to be the month when it kicks into action.
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo in a press conference at the London Stadium.
Credit: Imago
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Nuno wants to offload James Ward-Prowse
Nuno, who wants to sign a target man and defender, is keen to offload James Ward-Prowse this winter.
That is according to The Times on 28 October, who also report that West Ham are set to submit “significant” financial losses for the past season.
Ward-Prowse has been omitted from all four squads under Nuno
He started five Premier League games under Potter
The midfielder’s last game for West Ham was during their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, where he played the full 90 minutes.
This comes as Lucas Paqueta has been tipped to leave West Ham this winter window.
Indeed, the attacking midfielder was linked with the likes of Aston Villa and Manchester City over the summer, with a strong feeling that the Brazilian was keen on a move.
While it has been suggested that he still desires a move, after a recent post via X on 28 October, it seems that Paqueta intends to continue at West Ham after all.
But as for Ward-Prowse, whether or not he will remain at the Premier League side will become clear once January arrives.
West Ham fans need to back Nuno’s Ward-Prowse decision
On the surface, it seems odd for a club to part with a player who has been a consistent starter for many months.
However, football continues to show that different managers appreciate a variety of profiles.
Ward-Prowse is best defined by his box-to-box ability and excellent set-piece plays. Meanwhile, at Nottingham Forest, Nuno preferred a conservative and pragmatic approach where his team hurt their opposition on the counterattack.
As a result, the former Forest manager may opt to recruit a midfielder who is an excellent passer and can distribute the ball to his teammates with pace.
While Nuno has been criticised for his treatment of Ward-Prowse, West Ham fans may need to stick behind the principle that the manager knows best for the time being.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest West Ham United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@westhamzone247