Former club chief explains why West Ham must avoid Adama Traore deal after working with him
West Ham are considering signing Fulham winger Adama Traore in the January transfer window, but have now been told to avoid a deal by someone who has worked with the player.
Nuno Espírito Santo knows Traoré very well from their time together at Molineux, and it was at Wolves that the 29-year-old made a serious name for himself.
Traore was almost unplayable in the 2019/2020 season in particular, finishing the Premier League campaign as their best player statistically, while completing a truly incredible five successful dribbles on average per game (WhoScored).
In comparison, the Premier League’s best dribblers are currently well below that figure, with former West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus and Man City’s Jeremy Doku averaging 3.4 and 3.1 catches per 90 respectively.
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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 |
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West Ham 3-1 Newcastle |
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West Ham 3-2 Burnley |
Jurgen Klopp has called Traore’s speed “indefensible” at times, but that being said, the 19/20 campaign is now over half a decade ago.
Since Nuno’s departure from Wolves, Traore has failed to relive those heights consistently enough, even despite flashes of brilliance at Fulham last season. Traore finished 24/25 with two goals and nine assists in all competitions, making 41 appearances in total, but managed just a modest 1.3 saves per 90 in the Premier League.
Although the striker’s best days are behind him, the obvious link with Nuno has given rise to several reports that West Ham are keen on a winter transfer for Traore, who could also be available at a reduced price given his contract expires in 2026.
Following these claims, former Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness has explained exactly why West Ham had to walk away from a deal for Traore in January.
West Ham explained exactly why they had to deviate from Adama Traore deal in January
Speaking to Football Insider, after selling the player to Villa, Wyness explains that Traore’s lack of end product really doesn’t serve West Ham – urging David Sullivan not to do a deal for the former Barcelona man out of respect for the fans.
“I actually had Adama Traore when I was at Aston Villa and I sold him to Middlesbrough,” Wyness explained.
“I traded him for Albert Adomah, and Albert Adomah has done far more for me than Adama Traore ever threatened to do. He is one of those players who flatters to deceive me, and I don’t think he has that quality and certainly not in the battle West Ham are in at the moment.
“So I’d be very surprised if that happened. Look, he’s got a killer pace. But there’s no end product as far as I’m concerned.”
“Nuno knows him better than me as a player, but that’s my observation of him, and I’d be very surprised if Nuno thinks he’s ready for the relegation battle they’re going to find themselves in. I hope he doesn’t go there for the sake of the West Ham fans. He’s not a player I’m a fan of.”
The winger would attract mixed reviews if he moved to the London Stadium in two months’ time, but if anyone can get the best out of him, it’s Nuno.
The West Ham manager is believed to be personally keen to reunite with Traore, and given that Nuno has finally managed to steady the ship with back-to-back wins, it is imperative that the club show faith in backing him with the desired signings mid-season.
As well as Traore, West Ham want a new defender, midfielder and striker, with AC Milan’s Santiago Gimenez and Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney reportedly on their agenda.
