West Ham United have enquired about the availability of Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento as they look to strengthen their options between the posts during the January transfer window.

Hammers Target January Reinforcements

After a highly disappointing first half of the season, relegation-threatened West Ham are hoping the winter window can provide a much-needed boost. The club are eager to add quality across the squad as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to steer the Hammers clear of the drop.

One key area under review is the goalkeeping department, with West Ham keen to bring in stronger competition.

West Ham Enquire About Bento

According to a report from Sky Sports, West Ham have approached Al-Nassr to explore the possibility of signing their 26-year-old Brazilian shot-stopper. An enquiry has been made to assess Bento’s availability in the current transfer window.

From First Choice to Fringe Role

Bento built a strong reputation during his time at Athletico Paranaense before joining the Saudi Pro League giants in the summer of 2024. He was Al-Nassr’s preferred goalkeeper last season, making 49 appearances across all competitions.

However, his situation has changed dramatically this term. The Brazilian has made just one league appearance, although he has featured regularly in cup competitions. His reduced role has inevitably sparked speculation over his future.

Loan Deal with Option to Buy?

Bento remains under contract at Al-Nassr until summer 2028, but several clubs are monitoring his situation. West Ham are among those keen, with Nuno seeking an upgrade in goal.

Mads Hermansen has struggled to make the desired impact, and Bento is viewed as a player who could provide genuine competition. The Hammers are reportedly exploring a loan move with an option to buy.

Al-Nassr Reluctant to Sell

Despite his limited league involvement, Al-Nassr are yet to show any willingness to let Bento leave. The Saudi club still consider him an important part of their long-term plans, which has stalled progress in negotiations.

Ultimately, the deal could hinge on the player’s own desire for regular football as the January window unfolds.

West Ham United were unfortunate to concede a penalty against Wolverhampton Wanderers as Nuno Espírito Santo’s side suffered a damaging blow at Molineux Stadium.

That is the view of former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who told Football Insider that referee Peter Bankes acted too hastily during Wolves’ 3–0 win on Saturday, 3 January.

Wolves Capitalise as West Ham Fail to Respond

Mateus Mane was Wolves’ standout performer, scoring the third goal of the afternoon after earlier strikes from Jhon Arias and Hwang Hee-chan. West Ham failed to respond, as Wolves claimed their first league victory of the campaign.

However, the match was not without controversy.

Penalty Decisions Spark Debate

There were several flashpoints throughout the game, most notably when Crysencio Summerville appeared to be bundled over in the penalty area by Yerson Mosquera — an incident that went unpunished.

At the other end, it was the home side who benefited from a spot-kick.

Kilman Error Leads to Disputed Spot-Kick

West Ham defender Max Kilman came under heavy criticism from supporters after a costly mistake forced Soungoutou Magassa into a challenge on Mateus Mane.

Despite the contact appearing minimal, Peter Bankes pointed to the spot, a decision that stunned many watching, particularly after West Ham had been denied a penalty moments earlier.

Hwang Hee-chan — despite missing his last penalty against the Hammers in the Carabao Cup — calmly converted from 12 yards to make it 2–0, further increasing pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo.

Hackett: ‘It Was Really Soft’

While the controversial decision was unlikely to change the final outcome, Keith Hackett questioned whether the penalty should have been awarded at all.

Speaking on Football Insider’s The Final Whistle, Hackett said:

“I didn’t think it was a penalty. I thought it was too soft.
If I were to award a penalty kick, I wanted to be 100 per cent certain.
If it wasn’t, and from the heart, they weren’t getting one.
I thought it was really soft, and I’m surprised it was given.”

Pressure Mounts on Nuno Ahead of Forest Clash

Instead of taking all three points in a must-win fixture, Nuno Espírito Santo remains under intense pressure in East London.

West Ham now face a crucial encounter against Nuno’s former club Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, 6 January — a match that could prove pivotal for his future at the London Stadium.