West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has sent out something of a concerning message ahead of the January transfer window — by bizarrely suggesting the club will only begin planning their moves once the window opens.
Asked about West Ham’s transfer strategy, Nuno told reporters: “Now is not the moment. I think when we have to sit down is when the window opens. But the club has all the tools that they need.”
Sorry — what?
Surely this is some tactical attempt to deflect from ongoing negotiations or else that’s an alarming admission. If West Ham are genuinely waiting until January to “sit down” and plan, then we’re already two steps behind.
Transfers require forward planning — not improvisation
Clubs with serious ambition — especially ones in mid-table or relegation danger — are already months deep into identifying targets, sounding out agents, running analytics and setting budgets. January is notoriously tough to do business in, and it’s even harder if you’ve left your prep until the last minute.
The Hammers are crying out for reinforcements, particularly in the forward line and a central defender wouldn’t go amiss too. The idea that we’re not actively working on deals now — even just groundwork — is exactly the kind of slow, reactive thinking that’s plagued the club for years. I find it difficult to believe that this would be the case. particularly given the managers close association to super agent Jorge Mendes.
Yes, Nuno might just be keeping his cards close to his chest. But if he’s not, and if West Ham genuinely plan to start their transfer business when the window opens, then we’re in serious trouble.
We need to hit the ground running — not stroll into January still scratching our heads.