What has widely been viewed as a disappointing transfer window for [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/give-us-a-discount-flamengo-boss-pleads-for-paqueta-deal-west-ham-transfers/) has already sparked internal finger‑pointing. What is clear, however, is that Taty Castellanos, Pablo, and Adama Traoré were all players specifically requested by Nuno, while Keiber LaMadrid was very much a “Sully special”, with the club’s owner also convincing his head coach to retain Callum Wilson.
Will Salthouse client, Taylor Harwood-Bellis was also a target with Southampton rejecting two bids for the 24 year old centre back.
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Questions have also been raised about why the club failed to produce a broader shortlist of targets, especially considering the extensive work being carried out by Max Hahn and his data department behind the scenes. Italian scout Antonio Tramontano, known for combining qualitative insight with quantitative analysis, was similarly active in identifying potential signings.
It has since emerged that Tramontano flagged Napoli’s Antonio Vergara, prompting West Ham to submit a €20m offer that was swiftly rejected. He also highlighted Atalanta defender Isak Hien, though the Italian side demanded at least €25m for a player they had only signed in 2024 for €9m. Federico Gatti, a Juventus centre back was also a target yet the Italian club rejected an approach by West Ham.
Hahn and his team also identified Arouna Sangante, the Senegalese centre‑back at Le Havre, as well as Brazilian defender Natan at Real Betis who turned down three separate bids from West Ham.
Arouna Sangante
With no Director of Football in place, the club’s scattergun approach became increasingly apparent, culminating in a frantic deadline‑day move for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, who was registered just in time.
Yet just 24 hours earlier, _Claret and Hugh_ had approached a source at the club who was adamant there would be signings.
Having ended the window with a net profit on transfers, supporters are growing uneasy about the club’s overall recruitment strategy. Many fear that without clearer leadership, a coherent long‑term plan, and a more unified approach to scouting and decision‑making, West Ham risk falling further behind their rivals both on and off the pitch.
It remains to be seen who will be accountable.