Adama Traoré’s arrival at West Ham United in January 2026 was meant to inject pace, power, and directness into a side battling relegation. Reunited with his former Wolves manager Nuno Espírito Santo, the 30-year-old Spanish winger brought proven Premier League experience from Fulham and a reputation as one of the division’s most explosive wide players. One of the reasons Nuno is at West Ham is because of a clash over not being able to bring Adama to Nottingham Forest. Nuno would eventually go on to lose his job because he lost a power struggle and took the West Ham vacancy 3 weeks later. So why is a player he fought so hard for not playing, despite being in form?
Nearly three months after obtaining him, Adama remains largely on the fringes—mostly an impact substitute in the league, with just a handful of starts, all in cup competitions. Despite showing his sharpest form in claret and blue during recent outings, particularly in the FA Cup, Traoré is still waiting for a consistent Premier League role.
Put Him in Coach
At the time of the transfer, it looked like a smart, low-risk addition for a Hammers side hovering near the bottom three. Traoré’s blistering pace, dribbling ability, and physical presence were exactly what a relegation fight often demands—someone who could change games off the bench or stretch tired defences.
However, integration has been gradual. His Premier League appearances have been limited to cameos (around eight to eleven matches, mostly as a substitute), with zero goals or assists in the league so far. He has started FA Cup ties, including against Burton Albion, Brentford, and Leeds United, but league starts remain elusive.
The narrative shifted noticeably in early April during the FA Cup quarter-final against Leeds United. Traoré started and delivered what many called his best performance in a West Ham shirt: a relentless display of dribbling (multiple successful take-ons), dangerous crosses, and chance creation. He played a key role in West Ham’s late equaliser and was praised by pundits like Joe Cole as the Hammers’ standout player on the night. Even in a penalty-shootout defeat, Traoré’s energy and directness stood out, giving fans and the coaching staff a glimpse of what he can offer when given minutes.
3 Reasons Why Adama Hasn't Played More
1. Fierce Competition for Wide Positions
Nuno has been blunt about this. In early March, he confirmed that “competition for places” is the primary factor keeping Traoré out of the starting XI. West Ham’s attack features established options like captain Jarrod Bowen (a consistent performer and goal threat) and Crysencio Summerville, who—when fit—offers similar dynamism on the flank. In a relegation battle, Nuno has leaned on players he trusts in a proven system rather than disrupting the balance. Traoré’s style (explosive but sometimes unpredictable) hasn’t yet displaced the current pecking order.
2. Nuno’s Unique Approach to Traoré’s Physique
One of the more unusual stories surrounding Traoré emerged in March when Nuno revealed he had banned the winger from lifting weights at the training ground. Citing Traoré’s “incredible” genetics and already massively muscular frame, the manager said: “It’s enough weight for him to carry… He’ll do prevention work, but he’s not in there lifting weights.” The decision is about preserving agility, speed, and injury prevention rather than building more bulk. While not a direct selection issue, it reflects Nuno’s meticulous management of Traoré as a high-octane athlete who needs to stay light on his feet.
3. Tactical Fit and the Relegation Grind
West Ham sit around 17th in the Premier League, fighting for survival. Nuno’s pragmatic, defensively solid approach doesn’t always maximise Traoré’s strengths as a pure wide attacker who thrives in open, transitional play. Early in his West Ham career, the team’s structure has sometimes limited his freedom. With the season reaching its climax, the manager is prioritising reliability over experimentation.
Super Sub or Missed Opportunity?
Traoré has embraced a rotation/impact role for now, bringing fresh legs and chaos late in games. His contract situation adds another layer—short-term and with uncertainty over an extension, West Ham may be cautious about over-investing minutes in a player who might not be part of next season’s plans.
Yet his recent cup displays suggest he is hitting peak form at exactly the right time. If West Ham’s current wide options falter or injuries hit, Traoré’s pace could become a game-changer in the run-in. For a club that has historically thrived on big personalities and moments of magic, the Spaniard still has plenty to offer.
Whether Nuno will trust him with more starts before the season ends remains to be seen. One thing is clear: despite the bench time, Adama Traoré is far from finished at West Ham—and his best may still be to come when the opportunity finally arrives.
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