West Ham chiefs are already working to try and save Nuno Espírito Santo when the January window opens, with Brazil international defender Alexsandro now a key target this winter.
According to recent reports, and amid the Hammers’ disastrous start to 2025/2026, David Sullivan, Karren Brady and the board are ready to back Nuno all the way with new additions mid-season.
Sky Sports reported last week that Nuno had received confirmation that funds would be available to spend in January, and West Ham are actively targeting a new defender, midfielder and striker.
Much has been made of their dire need for a new striker, with Real Madrid sensation Endrick on West Ham’s January shortlist as the east Londoners mull over a loan deal.
However, long-term injuries to Konstantinos Mavropanos and Ollie Scarles have also left West Ham desperately short at full-back.
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West Ham’s Premier League results so far |
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Sunderland 3-0 West Ham |
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West Ham 1-5 Chelsea |
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Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham |
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West Ham 0-3 Tottenham |
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West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace |
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Everton 1-1 West Ham |
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Arsenal 2-0 West Ham |
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West Ham 0-2 Brentford |
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Leeds 2-1 West Ham |
Mavropanos is expected to be out for up to six weeks after injuring his hamstring against Brentford, while Scarles was forced to undergo collarbone surgery and could be missing until 2026 (ExWHU employee).
If West Ham’s desire for a new star defender to bolster their leaky backline wasn’t already there, it certainly is now.
West Ham have conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League so far, and it is clear that Nuno needs to resolve this problem as quickly as possible.
It is with this in mind that Nuno now has his eyes on Alexsandro.
The 26-year-old has been a mainstay for Lille and his impressive performances in France even attracted the attention of Premier League title leaders Arsenal this summer.
Before Mikel Arteta’s side finally signed Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera as central defensive additions, credible South American outlet UOL reported that Arsenal had initial discussions over Alexsandro, which ultimately came to nothing.
This is good news for West Ham as Nuno is said to be extremely keen.
Alexsandro makes key request to join West Ham in January
According to Hammers News, the Irons boss wants him for the first week of January after identifying Alexsandro as the club’s priority defender signing this winter.
A deal is described by a transfer source as having a “good” chance of going through, and early discussions have already taken place over the centre-back’s potential arrival.
However, Alexsandro has apparently made a key condition to join West Ham.
The League One star is believed to want “assurances” that there will be an exit from the London Stadium if West Ham enter the relegation doomsday scenario, so it appears he is seeking a safety net before committing.
“The team just need to stop conceding goals at the rate they have been and it seems like there is only one way to fix that now,” the transfer source told Hammers News.
“The Lille player (Alexsandro) was on Nuno’s list when he arrived and he is the first target.
“The first discussions were held on the price and whether the deal can be done and if the signs are good. Ideally Nuno wants him in the building during the first week of January because every game will be very important.
“But the player will need reassurance that he can be allowed to leave if the worst happens, because he wants to go to the World Cup with Brazil.”
Although Alexsandro has been generally excellent for Lille, as evidenced by reported interest from the Gunners earlier this year, he has some real disciplinary issues.
Last season, the player received a seismic 13 yellow cards in all competitions, receiving three yellow card suspensions in the French top flight alone.
Nuno is expected to try to eliminate that from Alexsandro’s game if the defender moves to Rush Green early next year, but according to ESPN he could be available for as little as £26million.
West Ham have also held talks to sign two other players from the same club
