West Ham star’s imminent exit is blessing in disguise, Nuno Espirito Santo has clear solution
West Ham are looking ahead to the January transfer window, with numerous incomings and departures expected from the London Stadium.
Niclas Fullkrug is edging closer to an exit from West Ham, and currently, Wolfsburg are considering a loan deal for the German international.
AC Milan have also shown an interest in Fullkrug as he looks to get his season back on track, ready for the 2026 World Cup.
West Ham are looking to sign a new striker to replace the 32-year-old in January and are currently keeping a close eye on Porto’s Samu Omorodion.
But whilst Omorodion is one of several supposedly on their radar, permanent player exits aren’t the only departures Nuno Espirito Santo will have to contend with.
Kyle Walker-Peters can step up when Aaron Wan-Bissaka goes to AFCON
The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on December 21, and two West Ham players will represent their countries — Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo) and El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal).
Wan-Bissaka and Diouf are the starting right-back and left-back for Nuno, with the duo playing a combined 22 times in the Premier League this term.
As a result, Oliver Scarles – who is closing in on a return from a broken collarbone – should replace Diouf at left-back, whilst Kyle Walker-Peters must step up on the right.
West Ham signed Walker-Peters in the summer after his contract at Southampton expired, and he’s since only started one of the last seven matches in the Premier League and was an unused substitute last time out against Liverpool.
However, once Wan-Bissaka and Diouf are away on AFCON duty, the Englishman must prove he’s worthy of a starting place, having established himself as a solid top-flight defender previously.
What Russell Martin said about Walker-Peters
Capable of playing as a left-back, right-back, or even central midfielder, Walker-Peters’ versatility will be crucial during periods when their squad is stretched.
The 28-year-old is excellent at carrying the ball forward and is known for his ability in one-on-one situations, which he’s demonstrated many times in the past.
Walker-Peters was part of the Saints side that won promotion back to the Premier League in 2024 and was a shining light for them in a dismal campaign that resulted in relegation in 2025.
| Kyle Walker-Peters stats for Southampton |
| 202 appearances |
| 7 goals |
| 12 assists |
Speaking in November 2023, former Southampton boss Russell Martin waxed lyrical about the full-back on their way to winning promotion that season.
“I’m running out of superlatives to describe him,” he said via the Saints’ official website. “He is a really gifted footballer, really top, top level technical ability. It’s not surprised us, because we knew how good he was, but it’s even more impressive with the stuff he can do, and he’s a really quick learner, really intelligent,” Martin said.
“His mentality is really growing as an organiser, more of a leader in the group now, which I think he has the capability of being, so I’m really pleased with him, I’m enjoying working with him and hopefully he’s enjoying himself. It was a beautiful goal.”
West Ham need him to live up to the hype and admiration once shown by Martin ahead of a gruelling Christmas schedule.
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