West Ham United's January 2026 transfer window brought targeted reinforcements—strikers Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe for attacking thrust, Adama Traoré for width and energy, and a late defensive patch in Axel Disasi's loan from Chelsea—but left the squad still vulnerable. With the club mired in a relegation battle and depth issues persisting (especially at centre-back and in midfield), the free transfer market is available to Premier League sides where those issues can be addressed. Clubs can sign unattached players at any time, provided they fit within the 25-man squad limit (with gaps from departures like Lucas Paquetá's sale creating room as well as loans that include Callum Marshall, George Earthy, James Ward-Prowse, etc.).
A recent talkSport report claimed the board gave manager Nuno Espirito Santo a choice between signing Jesse Lingard or Traoré. Nuno would eventually go with the player he was more familiar with, but it begs the question, why not both? Lingard wouldn't be demanding large wages, so West Ham should be able to bring him on board with a short-term team-friendly contract. Not signing Lingard in addition to Adama means the board has signaled they're "99% certain" they're done for the season and unlikely to pursue any free transfers either. However, low-risk additions could provide crucial cover without fees—only wages and potential bonuses. Here's a look at some players still available on free transfers (as of early February 2026) who could realistically benefit the Hammers in their survival push, focusing on defensive stability, midfield, and forward experience.
Kurt Zouma (Centre-Back, 31)
• A familiar face—Zouma captained the Irons before his 2025 move to CFR Cluj (Romania), where his contract was terminated in January. His physicality, aerial dominance, and Premier League experience make him ideal short-term cover amid defensive injuries and Jean-Clair Todibo's suspension. At 31, he's still capable of starting or rotating, offering leadership in a young backline. Fans would feel a lot better about Zouma coming in late in games to protect a lead rather than seeing Max Kilman.
• Fit & Risk: Proven in the league (Chelsea/West Ham), homegrown status helps squad registration. Low-risk trial potential; wages negotiable after his abrupt exit.
Raheem Sterling (Winger/Forward, 31)
• Released by Chelsea in late January after mutual consent, Sterling is a free agent prioritizing a London stay. His pace, dribbling, and goal threat (despite a dip in form) could add rotation for Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville, and Traoré on the flanks. West Ham's attack has improved but lacks depth if injuries hit.
• Fit & Risk: High-profile name with Premier League pedigree (four-time champion), but recent inconsistency and high wages could be hurdles. A short-term deal with performance incentives might suit a survival scrap.
Jesse Lingard (Midfielder/Attacking Mid, 33)
• Lingard enjoyed a memorable 2021 loan at the London Stadium (9 goals in 16 games). After leaving FC Seoul in December 2025, he's available again. His energy, pressing, and set-piece ability could bolster midfield depth post-Paqueta exit, especially in transition games.
• Fit & Risk: Fan favorite with proven impact at West Ham; low-cost motivation boost. Age and recent form (less consistent abroad) mean a short-term, low-risk punt.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Midfielder, 32)
• Free since leaving Besiktas in the summer 2025, the "Ox" has trained with Arsenal recently. Versatile (central/right midfield), homegrown, and experienced—could provide midfield depth and leadership to the West Ham rotation amid injuries/suspensions.
• Fit & Risk: Injury history is a concern, but his technical quality and work rate suit Nuno's system. Low-risk depth option.
Dele Alli (Attacking Midfielder, 29)
Former Tottenham and Everton star, free since his contract termination at Como in September 2025. After a turbulent few years, he's training hard and reportedly weighing options (including interest from La Liga clubs like Elche, Sevilla, Getafe, and Oviedo, plus a potential return to boyhood club MK Dons). His creativity, vision, and box-to-box energy (when fit) could add flair and unpredictability to West Ham's midfield—especially in transition. At 29, he's young enough for a comeback story; a short-term, low-wage deal with performance bonuses would be a high-upside gamble if he stays motivated and injury-free.