West Ham transfer options before January deadline assessed

West Ham United are preparing for a potentially decisive final stretch of the January transfer window, with further business expected as the club fight to preserve their Premier League status.

Sitting five points adrift of safety, West Ham’s recruitment decisions before the 2 February deadline could define the remainder of their season. While activity has already been notable, there is a growing sense internally that more may be required to avoid slipping into serious relegation trouble.

The Hammers have not stood still this month. Head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has been backed in his push to inject attacking energy into the squad, personally sanctioning the arrivals of strikers Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos. Young Venezuelan winger Keiber Lamadrid has also joined as part of a longer-term project.

Alongside the incomings, several departures have reduced squad size. Midfielder Andy Irving completed a move to Sparta Prague, while forward Callum Marshall was loaned to VfL Bochum in search of regular minutes.

Despite spending on attacking options, West Ham’s goalkeeping situation remains unresolved. The club invested £18m in Mads Hermansen last summer, but he has made just four league appearances and is now attracting loan interest. Confidence in the current setup has not fully materialised, prompting West Ham to explore alternatives.

Competition for Alphonse Areola is viewed as essential, and earlier in the window the Hammers entered talks over Brazilian goalkeeper Bento. Those discussions have yet to produce a breakthrough.

Defensive depth is another area under review, particularly at centre-back, while reinforcements on the wing remain a possibility depending on outgoings.

Unlike some mid-table sides, West Ham do not have the luxury of waiting until the summer. With relegation a genuine threat, delaying recruitment could prove costly. Club sources accept that January additions carry risk, but survival considerations outweigh long-term planning in the current circumstances.

One familiar name continues to surface. Nuno is said to be interested in a reunion with Adama Traoré, believing his pace and power could add a different dimension in wide areas during the run-in.

Midfield uncertainty also persists. Lucas Paquetá has been repeatedly linked with a return to boyhood club Flamengo, but West Ham insist he is not for sale and no formal offer has been accepted.

One player whose situation has shifted is Callum Wilson. Initially expected to leave after being told his minutes would be limited following January arrivals, Wilson’s winning goal off the bench against Tottenham has changed the mood, and he is now set to remain.

By contrast, midfielder James Ward-Prowse is available for transfer. He has yet to feature under Nuno and is considered expendable should a suitable offer arrive.

West Ham are expected to remain active until the final days of the window, particularly in their search for stability between the posts. Any further signings will be aimed squarely at short-term impact rather than long-term development.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions, with negotiations ongoing and survival the overriding priority.

Should West Ham prioritise a goalkeeper signing over further attacking reinforcements?