West Ham United have finally found form, with back-to-back home wins at the London Stadium against Newcastle and Burnley. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side has been brought back to life, with Freddie Potts and Mateus Fernandes leading the way in midfield. But with the January window looming and the Hammers sitting 18th in the table, expect West Ham to be active in the market to improve their side.
Fabrizio Romano recently spoke on his “Here We Go” podcast, mentioning that the Hammers are “for sure” interested and offering guaranteed minutes to 20-year-old Kobbie Mainoo for a role in Nuno’s squad. The midfielder has seen his minutes decrease drastically under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, playing just 138 minutes so far this season. He reportedly asked for a loan move in the summer—with West Ham showing interest then, according to Romano. His request was rejected and he was told to stay and fight for his spot, competing with Bruno Fernandes. With the 2026 World Cup approaching and Mainoo in contention for an England call-up, a positive loan move could be just what he needs, with both the player and West Ham open to it.
Mainoo would likely play as a linking midfielder, allowing him to work off Potts’ defensive anchor role and Lucas Paquetá’s creativity as the No. 10. It offers the club additional options and reinforcements in a midfield that has been overrun all season. Even with the recent success, the midfield situation would look dire if one or two injuries were to occur. Along with Fernandes, this would give West Ham a deep midfield unit with variety, offering Nuno tactical flexibility.
Joshua Zirkzee
West Ham are also looking at a teammate of Mainoo’s, 24-year-old striker Joshua Zirkzee. After 18 months in Manchester, the Dutchman is looking to cut his losses and start anew as he fights for a spot in the Netherlands national team, with West Ham insider ExWHUEmployee confirming the Hammers’ interest on his podcast on 6 October. Zirkzee is yet to start a match all season, playing just 82 minutes across all competitions. That said, he would bring a fresh presence to the squad. At 6ft 4in, Zirkzee is a strong physical presence in the box, while also possessing the technical ability to hold the ball and contribute in build-up as a false 9. With Füllkrug injured and already one foot out the door, Wilson declining, and Marshall still young with much to learn, the Hammers need to bolster their attack in January. They have scored only 13 goals in 11 matches this season, tied for 13th in the Premier League. If the Hammers sign Zirkzee in January, either permanently or on loan, he could slot straight into the starting spot in Nuno’s squad and make an immediate impact.
"West Ham are said to be “determined” to bring in a defender at the start of the January window, with Alexsandro the “priority target.”"Bruno Andrade and Felipe Silva - ESPN
The hammer doesn’t stop there. West Ham also have an interest in Brazilian international and Lille centre-back Alexsandro. First reported by Bruno Andrade and Felipe Silva from ESPN Brazil in late October, West Ham are said to be “determined” to bring in a defender at the start of the January window, with Alexsandro the “priority target”. The 26-year-old centre-back stands 6ft 2in tall, offering a mix of strength and height to play physically. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, participating in build-up and making progressive passes, while also showing good aerial ability. Alexsandro could help strengthen a defence that has conceded 23 goals in 11 matches this season. The deal seems difficult to complete, however, as he is valued at roughly €25 million ($28.9 million) according to FootballTransfers. No matter the cost, Alexsandro would offer Nuno an immediate resource in a back line that has seen far more bad days than good ones in recent times.
In a fight for their Premier League lives, West Ham will have to be active early in the market to back Nuno and give the Hammers a fighting chance. Mainoo would provide youth and immediate midfield support, Zirkzee could be an answer to our striker dilemma—having never really got going in Manchester but possessing all the tools to succeed in the Premier League—and Alexsandro would prove an investment, but possibly worth the gamble as he has already impressed Carlos Ancelotti and the Brazil national team.