West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo is faced with key “issues” in the build up to January, which could mean he loses one of his big-name players.
Nuno set for first West Ham home game as manager against Brentford
With the October international break now over, much to the delight of Premier League fans, Nuno is braced for his first home game as West Ham boss.
Nuno will be determined to make a strong impression on the London Stadium crowd and kickstart a positive run of form. However, the occasion is set to be clouded by unrest among some sections of the West Ham fanbase, who have announced a boycott of the match in protest against the club’s ownership.
Supporters’ group Hammers United, who are actively calling for the resignations of David Sullivan and Karren Brady, did send an open letter of backing to Nuno, explaining their stance is not aimed towards the Portuguese or his team.
Adding to West Ham’s challenges is the absence of striker Niclas Füllkrug, who could be sidelined for several weeks with a thigh injury.
Fullkrug’s latest injury adds to his torrid fitness record since joining the East Londoners from Borussia Dortmund in 2024, and this setback means Nuno will be without his first choice striker for the foreseeable future.
This puts additional pressure on the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville and Lucas Paqueta as the creators, with Callum Wilson and Callum Marshall now tasked with stepping up to replace the German.
Speaking of Paqueta, while reports suggest that West Ham are not keen on selling the Brazil international in January, Sullivan’s hand could be forced.
West Ham ready to sell Lucas Paqueta for £60 million in January
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, via Hammers News, West Ham face obstacles financially, and if any side were to bid around £60 million for Paqueta, Nuno’s side would green-light his exit mid-season.
The 28-year-old was believed to be close to joining Aston Villa in the summer, but in a show of loyalty, Paqueta kissed the badge after scoring against Nottingham Forest and chose to stick with West Ham after they backed him through his spot-fixing allegations.
The former Lyon star hasn’t been at his consistent best since 2023/2024, partly as a result of that major off-field distraction, but Paqueta will now be itching to prove himself to Nuno as West Ham look to battle away from the drop zone.
However, in the event of an offer too good to refuse, Paqueta’s mid-season exit cannot be ruled out, and any of the funds acquired for his services could be reinvested into signing a new striker.
Of the centre-forwards linked with a move to the London Stadium, Man United’s Josh Zirkzee is believed to be attracting West Ham’s interest ahead of January.