West Ham United boss Nuno Espirito Santo with frustrated expression on his face
Nuno Espirito SantoImago

West Ham face transfer uncertainty: Three things learned after friendly vs Rangers

Aheed Abrar

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with a Masters in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University; transfer and club specialist across the Breaking Media network. FOCUS Transfer news, breaking stories, and club-level insight across the Premier League and EFL. THE INSIGHT Aheed utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the foundations behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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West Ham United have plenty of concerns to address after facing Rangers on Sunday.

Nuno Espirito Santo's team travelled to Ibrox on 26 July but were unable to get the better of the Gers in the 0-0 draw.

The Hammers looked toothless up front, while the Glaswegian outfit were able to present plenty of challenges to the defence.

Nuno may have given some indications of who he could count on at West Ham ahead of next season, but the Portuguese manager could also have to fix a few things to succeed in the Championship.

While it's only a pre-season friendly, some of the performances on the pitch will leave the London Stadium faithful underwhelmed.

With the Irons aiming to win Premier League promotion, three things are clearly apparent for Nuno.

What West Ham future holds for James Ward Prowse

West Ham Zone covered Nuno's lack of faith in James Ward-Prowse last season, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the midfielder leave this transfer window.

Despite the Portuguese manager not being the biggest fan of the Englishman, he started and played 73 minutes before being substituted against Rangers.

Ward-Prowse, 31, may be set for a redemption arc at London Stadium as Nuno possibly looks to rely on experience for what the Championship throws at him.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka question grows loud at London Stadium

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is being linked with an exit from London Stadium after the Hammers' relegation to the Championship.

While the right-back only recently returned to training after the World Cup campaign with DR Congo, his future is one to keep an eye on.

The 28-year-old wasn't in the squad for the trip to Ibrox and Kyle Walker-Peters played 86 minutes in the draw before being replaced.

West Ham United boss Nuno Espirito Santo with frustrated expression on his face
Nuno Espirito Santo has clear West Ham transfer priority in central defence as overhaul needed

Nuno Espirito Santo faced with West Ham transfer dilemma

Taty Castellanos and Pablo started up front for West Ham against Rangers but likely wouldn't have scored even if they had 180 minutes to do so.

Niclas Fullkrug's future seems to be away from the Hammers, with Callum Marshall coming on to play at Ibrox.

After what was witnessed in Govan, Nuno may want to ask Nils Koppen for a favour and demand the addition of a new striker who will guarantee him goals in the Championship.

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