Nuno wants to sign ‘target man’ in January as West Ham boss wins backing
West Ham are facing the possibility of being embroiled in a relegation battle for the remainder of the season.
Following West Ham’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds on Friday, it’s clear that Nuno Espirito Santo has a huge job on his hands, with the team sitting 19th in the Premier League table.
Nuno is already under huge pressure after four matches in charge, and matches at the London Stadium against Newcastle and Burnley in the upcoming weeks may define his reign at West Ham.
However, David Sullivan will look to support the Portuguese manager in the January transfer window.
Nuno Espirito Santo will be backed in January to sign new striker
West Ham have been crying out for a top-quality striker for nearly a decade, with their current crop of forwards in Niclas Fullkrug, Callum Wilson, and Callum Marshall not at the standard to keep them in the Premier League.
The Times has reported that Nuno’s priority is to sign a target man, with the board accepting it was a mistake to only sign Callum Wilson in the summer.
It’s clear to see that West Ham are paying for their mistakes, having scored seven goals from nine league matches this season.
| Player | Goals scored |
| Jarrod Bowen | 3 |
| Lucas Paqueta | 2 |
| Callum Wilson | 1 |
| Mateus Fernandes | 1 |
Wilson looks to be out of favour at West Ham, whilst Fullkrug has consistently battled with fitness issues since his arrival in E20.
Nuno turned Chris Wood and Raul Jimenez into brilliant forwards in the Premier League, yet it’s clear to see that he trusts no one in the current Hammers squad.
Playing Lucas Paqueta in the false nine role has clearly not worked, and alternatives must be lined up in the transfer window.
West Ham have been linked with several strikers, yet former Brentford striker Ivan Toney should be the one they look to sign.
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Toney has been incredibly prolific for Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli, yet he is favouring a move back to England to boost his chances of being involved in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Having been Brentford’s talisman for over three years, Toney spearheaded their return to the Premier League in 2020-21 before going on to net 38 top-flight goals for the Bees.
Talks over a West Ham move have begun for Toney, and his style of play would be exactly what Nuno would want.
Nuno favours a big striker who can be a nuisance for opposition defences, and he’ll be readily anticipating the opportunity to bring in a forward that he can trust.
If talks progress, West Ham should not hesitate to sign Toney at the first chance they get.
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