With Sky Sports reporting that West Ham could make a move for Adama Traoré this January, it seems likely that Luis Guilherme will leave the club as Claret & Hugh reported last week.
With Nuno Espírito Santo said to be keen to reunite with the explosive winger he knows well from his time at Wolves, this rumour just has the feel of one which makes sense.
Traoré, 27, is out of contract at Fulham in the summer and would be available for a cut-price fee — making him a potentially shrewd piece of business in a notoriously difficult winter window.
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Let’s be honest — this one makes sense from Nuno’s perspective. Traoré’s blistering pace and power would give West Ham the direct counter-attacking threat we’ve sorely lacked this season. He may be frustrating in the final third, but in the right system, he’s a nightmare to defend against — and Nuno got the best out of him at Molineux.
Traore is wanted by Nuno Espirito Santo
Traore Spells Bad News For Guilherme
Meanwhile, Luis Guilherme looks set to leave the club just 18 months after arriving from Palmeiras. The Brazilian teenager has barely featured and, despite his obvious talent, is clearly not part of Nuno’s plans. As much as fans would love to see the 19-year-old get a proper chance, it’s time to accept he’s ain’t getting it at The London Stadium.
Should Guilherme depart, Traoré would be a ready-made replacement who knows the Premier League, understands Nuno’s system, and won’t break the bank. With Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville looking nailed on for starting places, the Hammers gaffer needs more options than just cucking Kyle Walker Peters on as a makeshift winger.
There may be flashier names out there, but this is a proper Nuno signing — athletic, aggressive, and perfect for his counter-pressing blueprint. And with West Ham crying out for pace on the bench, Traoré could be just what we need to get in behind tiring defences.