Relegated West Ham face a massive squad overhaul as Nuno Espirito Santo commits to leading a Championship promotion push
07:00, 28 May 2026
West Ham United's English striker #20 Jarrod Bowen (R) talks with West Ham United's Portuguese head coach Nuno Espírito Santo (L) during a break in play during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Brentford at the London Stadium, in London on October 20, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
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After securing commitment from Nuno, West Ham will need to turn their attention to Jarrod Bowen(Image: GLYN KIRK, AFP via Getty Images)
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo is prepared to remain at the club and spearhead a promotion push following the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League on Sunday. However, he faces the stark reality of needing to generate substantial funds before the rebuild can begin.
After several days of uncertainty, West Ham confirmed on Wednesday that their Portuguese head coach will be staying. "We held meetings with head coach Nuno Espírito Santo early this week and are pleased to confirm that he has expressed his continued commitment to the club – as we have to him," a club statement read.
Initial estimates indicate that at least £100million will need to be raised through player sales but the ultimate figure could be even higher. Several high-earning members of the relegated squad are the most likely candidates to depart, though there are some big decisions to be made - not least when it comes to captain Jarrod Bowen.
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So what could the picture look like at the London Stadium by the time the new season gets under way? We have weighed up the options facing Nuno after the club made the first important decision of their summer.
Goalkeeper and defence
We have long known that multiple current players may not have a future at the club and the identity of those players appears to be becoming clearer. Alphonse Areola's position appears uncertain following his wife's appeared to blame Nuno for him missing out on a World Cup call-up, while Jean-Clair Todibo reportedly refused to feature for the manager against Leeds.
Starting keeper Mads Hermansen, however, could remain. There's also a chance youngster Fin Herrick begins next season as his deputy after a memorable FA Cup debut.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Axel Disasi of West Ham United looks on during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at the London Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
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Axel Disasi is due to return to parent club Chelsea(Image: Alex Broadway, Getty Images)
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Axel Disasi is another who is expected to depart, with the Chelsea loanee having surely done enough to secure another Premier League opportunity, while Everton are reportedly interested in Aaron Wan-Bissaka for approximately £10m. Player of the year Dinos Mavropanos has been linked with a £25m return to the Bundesliga and El-Hadji Malick Diouf could join Manchester United, although it's unclear whether relegation will see West Ham lower their reported £40m valuation.
A new starting centre-back pairing is needed, though there's likely to be less demand for Max Kilman, while right-back Kyle Walker-Peters remained with Southampton for a year in the Championship following their 2023 relegation, so may well be prepared to do the same in East London. Ollie Scarles or Ezra Mayers could receive more chances on the left should Diouf depart, while fellow academy prospect Airidas Golambeckis can anticipate being closer to senior league action as he and Mayers offer alternatives in the middle.
That still provides scope for one or two new signings, especially if more than £100m is raised through sales. Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been linked previously and could be obtainable after Southampton failed to secure promotion, while attacking left-back Souffian El Karouani - a target in January - is available on a free transfer when his Utrecht contract expires, though there have been conflicting reports regarding him already agreeing a Saudi Pro League move.
Midfield
The most significant sale, at least in financial terms, is likely to be that of Mateus Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder was linked with a summer transfer even before relegation was confirmed, with Champions League clubs showing interest in a player who could still command a substantial £60m sum if a bidding war emerges between the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - FEBRUARY 5: Edson Alvarez of Fenerbahce reacts during the Turkish Cup Group C match between Fenerbahce and Erzurumspor at Chobani Stadium on February 5, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Seskim Photo/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Edson Alvarez's future is uncertain after a year out on loan(Image: Seskim Photo/MB Media, Getty Images)
Fernandes joined alongside Soungoutou Magassa at the close of the summer transfer window, and the Frenchman could either remain in the Championship or head out on loan, subject to Nuno's plans. This may partly hinge on the future of Edson Alvarez, who has spent this season on loan in Turkey but could provide the leadership experience that some felt this Hammers squad could do with.
Tomas Soucek may also stay put, with a significant fee for the 31-year-old appearing unlikely, while Mohamadou Kante possesses the energy and dynamism in midfield to thrive in the Championship. Freddie Potts has already demonstrated his quality at second-tier level during a loan spell at Portsmouth and should remain, while George Earthy could have a role to play below the top flight having finished last season with Bristol City.
James Ward-Prowse will likely view the Nuno news as his cue to leave after being frozen out earlier this term, with the savings on the midfielder's wages taking precedence over securing a substantial fee. Regarding potential arrivals, there have been reported links with out-of-contract Brighton winger Solly March, though his injury history could prove a stumbling block.
Attack
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Adama Traore of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and West Ham United at Villa Park on March 22, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts - Danehouse /Getty Images)
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West Ham could exercise their option on Adama Traore as others leave(Image: Ben Roberts - Danehouse, Getty Images)
West Ham can anticipate offers for Crysencio Summerville, Taty Castellanos and Bowen – potentially enabling the Hammers to recoup somewhere between £50-100m. Nevertheless, there remains cautious optimism that skipper Bowen could follow the example set by former Leicester star Jamie Vardy and remain at the club to spearhead a promotion campaign despite suggestions of Premier League interest.
Fellow January signing Pablo Felipe may yet remain at the club, with no potential suitor likely to match his wages. The young Brazilian - under contract until 2030 - could benefit from a season in the second tier to rebuild his confidence in front of goal following a difficult start to life in England.
Forgotten men Maxwel Cornet and Niclas Fullkrug look almost certain to depart, even if that means terminating their contracts early. Callum Wilson could also move on despite penning a contract extension mid-season, with Nuno appearing to blow hot and cold over the England international.
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Either Adama Traore or Keiber Lamadrid may remain following short spells at the London Stadium, with Nuno potentially sticking with the former after clinching a reunion during the winter window on a six-month deal with an optional extension. The Hammers could also explore the free agent market, with potential targets including Southampton's Ross Stewart or - should recent negotiations stall - even a move for Raul Jimenez, who knows Nuno well from their time together at Wolves.
Naturally, if further funds can be generated through player sales — the likes of Fernandes, Diouf, Mavropanos, Summerville and Castellanos could collectively command north of £150m — there may be resources available to pursue more ambitious transfer targets. Bouncing straight back up is no foregone conclusion, so West Ham will be keen to put themselves in the strongest possible position.
Potential West Ham XI: Hermansen; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Kilman, Scarles; Soucek, Alvarez, Kante; Bowen, Pablo, Traore.