Nuno Set for January Backing as Relegation Fight Looms

Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to be backed in the January transfer window as West Ham battle to pull clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

A 3–0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday was hardly unexpected given Pep Guardiola’s side — and Erling Haaland’s form — but it marked another setback in a difficult campaign for the Hammers.

While Nuno has steadied the ship since replacing Graham Potter, a relegation dogfight now looks unavoidable. Appointed after the summer window closed, the Portuguese coach is yet to truly shape the squad in his image.

With that in mind, LondonWorld has looked at how West Ham could line up if current January transfer rumours prove accurate.

West Ham XI If January Rumours Are True

Goalkeeper

Christos Mandas

Goalkeeping has been a major headache this season. West Ham spent £20m on former Leicester keeper Mads Hermansen, but his disastrous start saw him quickly dropped.

Alphonse Areola reclaimed the No.1 spot, while the free-agent return of Lukasz Fabianski suggested lingering doubts. According to Hammers News, a swap deal with Lazio could see Christos Mandas arrive at the London Stadium, with Hermansen heading the other way.

Defence

El Hadji Malick Diouf – Jean-Clair Todibo – Charlie Cresswell – Aaron Wan-Bissaka

• Jean-Clair Todibo has shown improvement under Nuno, easing concerns after his £33m price tag.

• Max Kilman, however, continues to struggle and has been linked with a return to Wolves.

• Former Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell, currently at Toulouse, could replace him. The Athletic reports contact is already underway, with Cresswell keen on a Premier League return to boost his England prospects.

Midfield: One Area of Stability

Defensive / Central Midfield

Mateus Fernandes – Freddie Potts – Soungoutou Magassa

Midfield is arguably West Ham’s strongest department. Fernandes, Magassa and Potts have all shown encouraging development, with Leon Osman recently praising their creativity.

However, uncertainty remains around Lucas Paquetá, who continues to be linked with a move away — and whose recent behaviour may not have helped his cause.

West Ham Linked With Wolves Star Up Front

Attack

Jarrod Bowen – Jørgen Strand Larsen – Adama Traoré

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman criticised West Ham’s lack of cutting edge in attack, and changes could be coming.

• Niclas Füllkrug is reportedly set for a move to AC Milan, bringing an end to a difficult spell in east London.

• That could pave the way for Jørgen Strand Larsen, with David Ornstein reporting that West Ham could lure the Wolves striker away if they are relegated. The 25-year-old scored 15 Premier League goals last season, making him a potential statement signing.

• Adama Traoré is another name heavily linked. Nuno knows the winger well from their time together at Wolves, and a move from Fulham appears realistic.

A New-Look West Ham Under Nuno?

If even a few of these rumours materialise, West Ham could look very different in the second half of the season. With survival the clear priority, January could prove decisive in determining whether Nuno’s reign gains momentum — or slides further into a relegation scrap.