24th January 2026 Mark Carlaw (@markcarlaw)
West Ham appear to be closing in on Adama Traore with Guido Rodriguez set to exit the club, it has been reported by ExWHUEmployee.
The club have been in talks with Fulham over the signing of Traore for a prolonged period, with the deal looking close to completion, even for the player to possibly be in the squad in time to face Chelsea.
Although it was felt that Rodriguez would stay following the sale of Andy Irving, however it now seems that James Ward-Prowse could be set for a recall into the squad as cover.
“News has broken this evening over a possible move of Guido Rodriguez to Valencia on a free, as well as Adama Traore being on the brink of a move,” stated Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon.
“Let’s start with the latter, as this was the more predictable story. As we have said from the very start of the window, the club hoped to negotiate a fee for Traore, but Fulham wished to at least hold on to him until the end of the African Nations Tournament.
“This narrative is playing exactly as predicted, and now that the tournament is over, West Ham are close to agreeing a fee. It is thought that Fulham’s initial £7m stance for a player out of contract in the summer has been lowered and is thought to be closer to West Ham’s expectations.
“We expect Traore’s signature will be completed in time for him to face Chelsea.
“The more surprising transfer is that of Guido Rodriguez to Valencia in a free. Numerous times we have checked with the club on this story, to be told they wished to hold on to the Argentine World Cup winner until at least the summer.
“This time, it does seem like we have changed our stance and will be prepared to allow him to go.
“When we put the double situation involving Rodriguez and Traore to our top transfer source, we were told “Both moving in the right direction, neither done at this stage”. We have since replied and asked why our stance has changed on Rodriguez, and we are waiting for an answer.
“In a domino-type effect, it appears that the possible departure of Rodriguez and the confirmed departure of Andy Irving could see the outcast James Ward-Prowse return to the squad.
“The player has been cut off from all squads since Nuno has been in charge, having worked together last season at Forest, but it appears that this could be forgotten. Ward-Prowse is said to have remained professional throughout and is expected to be in the squad to face Sunderland.”