Nuno Espírito Santo’s transfer plans for January could be intriguing, as West Ham chairman David Sullivan has now been told the club could sign an experienced playmaker for well under £10 million.
West Ham’s transfer plans for January after Nuno appointment
On the field, Nuno is faced with the almighty task of thwarting Arsenal’s set-piece threat and coming away from the Emirates Stadium unscathed this Saturday, after drawing 1-1 at Everton in his opening game as Graham Potter’s immediate replacement.
|
Worst West Ham managers in the Premier League |
Win percentage |
|---|---|
|
9. Sam Allardyce |
30.7% |
|
10. Julen Lopetegui |
30% |
|
11. Gianfranco Zola |
27.8% |
|
12 Graham Potter |
26.1% |
|
13. Avram Grant |
18.9% |
|
via StatMuse |
|
Away from the pitch, Sullivan, Karren Brady and the Hammers board are reportedly devising plans to reinforce the Portuguese’s ranks after backing him with a three-year contract — a decision driven by Brady — who pushed for Nuno’s appointment (Alex Crook).
Already, we’ve seen credible reports that Nuno is making his intentions with certain squad members crystal clear, with James Ward-Prowse poised to leave in January after being axed from Monday’s matchday squad by West Ham’s new manager.
The 30-year-old has been informed that he has no long-term future at West Ham under Nuno, despite being a regular for Potter, and he could even be replaced by another midfielder in the winter.
Roma star Lorenzo Pellegrini, who can play in Ward-Prowse’s position or further forward in the number 10 role, was heavily linked with a summer exit that failed to materialise, with Gian Piero Gasperini openly stating that he’s free to leave the Stadio Olimpico.
The Italy international, who captained Roma last season and the season before that, has bagged 14 goals and nine assists in all competitions since the beginning of 2023/2024.
With Pellegrini’s deal due to expire at the end of this campaign, and with Gasperini confirming that Roma don’t want to extend the 29-year-old’s deal, he could be available for a good price in January.
West Ham ready to bid for Lorenzo Pellegrini in January
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport and Forza Roma, West Ham are ready to make an offer for Pellegrini in January after expressing interest in the summer window, and they’ve been informed £7 million could be enough to take him to the Premier League.
Even though he is approaching 30, the 36-cap international could be a great option to provide an extra injection of creativity for Nuno, and for a very reasonable cost.
According to WhoScored, Pellegrini is still showing he has hit in his locker, having stood out as Roma’s second-best performer by average match rating.
He’s also earned praise from Gasperini for his passion and creativity so far this season, despite being set to leave in 2026.
“Pellegrini strikes the ball very well and has excellent timing on his runs, but this doesn’t necessarily have to be all he does. He must play as a midfielder and create chances as he did today,” Gasperini said after Pellegrini’s winning goal in the Rome derby against Lazio.
“I can’t talk about his past, but I have found a very mature player. He’s got a lot of passion, as do [Gianluca] Mancini, [Manu] Kone, [Bryan] Cristante, but I can’t name all of them. He must be a good player, a team player, as must all the others. If he becomes a great athlete, he will reach a much higher level.”
