West Ham: Adama Traore wanted in LaLiga to boost club's media profile
West Ham United's signing of Adama Traore has been a failure. There are no mincing words there.
The Spaniard arrived with some hope he could have a positive impact, having been a key player under Nuno Espirito Santo at Wolves.
Nuno is a big fan of the winger due to his unique traits, including his speed and strength, and even attempted to sign him at Nottingham Forest.
However, even the 52-year-old would have to admit Traore flopped at London Stadium, but he may already have his next move lined up.
Traore, who only signed for West Ham on a short-term deal, would be available as a free transfer, and a move to La Liga could now be on the cards.
Adama Traore ticks multiple boxes for Spanish club
West Ham had the option to keep Traore at London Stadium, but after relegation, that would not have been wise.
The Spaniard had little to no impact and did not provide a single goal contribution during the Hammers' survival attempt.
Traore was also not handed a single start at West Ham, and based on the past few months, you may expect him to struggle to find a new club.
However, it appears that it may be an easy situation for Traore to deal with as interest from his home country has emerged, alongside another reunion with Marco Silva at Benfica.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Elche are looking into several targets, but "there are names that capture the attention of LaLiga fans much more: such as that of Adama Traore".
The report goes on to share that according to their sources, Elche have "shown interest in him due to his power, ability to unbalance opponents, and physicality."
Not only are Elche looking to land Traore for his on-pitch qualities, but they feel that his arrival would provide a "massive boost" at media level as well.
Unfortunately, though, they could face a battle to land the signing with Traore likely having to reduce his wages to secure the transfer.
What wages was Traore on at West Ham?
West Ham took quite the risk on bringing Traore to E20, even if it was a short-term deal.
According to Capology, the Spaniard has quite high wages, coming in with £70,000 per week.
La Liga side Elche, who are based in South-East Spain, currently have just one player above £42,000 per week, and that is striker Andre Silva who is on £69,000 per week.
However, the Portuguese forward looks set to join Porto, so perhaps a swap of Silva's and Traore's wages could be plausible in that regard.
If not, Traore may have to lower his demands no matter where he moves to, as this last season as not shown he deserves to command his current earning power.