# West Ham United squad rebuilding and transfer tensions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/west-ham-united-squad-rebuilding-and-transfer-tensions
> Updated: 2026-08-18T17:45:00.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has criticized the club’s board for delays in the summer transfer window. Following the arrival of only one free agent, Joel Veltman, the manager placed responsibility on the board to act on his target list as the window nears its close.

After a 2-2 draw against Burnley in the Championship season opener, the need for squad reinforcements became more urgent. Nuno is reportedly seeking attacking depth, with interest in Leeds United’s Joel Piroe following a rejected £20 million bid for AZ Alkmaar’s Troy Parrott. Additionally, as part of a broader squad overhaul following relegation, the club is looking to move on from players such as Niclas Füllkrug and Jean-Clair Todibo to reduce the wage bill.

Pressure has mounted on head of recruitment Nils Koppen, as well as owners Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold and interim CEO Karím Virá-Nihad, to accelerate recruitment. Amidst this, the club secured Belgian playmaker Arne Engels from Celtic for £20 million. To further reduce the wage bill, Niclas Füllkrug is reportedly heading to Werder Bremen on loan, with the player willing to waive part of his salary to facilitate the move. Other players linked to departures include Jean-Clair Todibo, Edson Alvarez, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

West Ham has since officially signed striker Joel Piroe from Leeds United on an initial season-long loan. The deal includes an obligation to make the transfer permanent in the summer of 2027, with a total package estimated between £8 million and £12 million. Piroe joins other recent summer signings including Manor Solomon, Arne Engels, and Joel Veltman.

## Claims

- West Ham United has signed Joel Piroe on loan from Leeds United for the 2026-27 season. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The loan deal includes an obligatory buy clause that can be activated next summer if specific clauses are met. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Director of Recruitment Nils Koppen stated that Piroe was manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s top target. (single source)
- Joel Piroe will wear the number nine shirt for West Ham. (single source)
- West Ham intends to make further signings before the summer transfer window closes. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: West Ham United signs Joel Piroe on loan from Leeds United

West Ham United has signed striker Joel Piroe from Leeds United on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy, aiming to bolster their attack for a Championship promotion push.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-united-signs-joel-piroe-on-loan-from-leeds-united

### 2026-08-16: West Ham United advances Joel Piroe deal amid squad overhaul

West Ham United is reshaping its squad following relegation, advancing talks to sign Joel Piroe from Leeds United while facilitating exits for Niclas Füllkrug and Jean-Clair Todibo.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-manager-nuno-seeks-new-signings-and-squad-overhaul

### 2026-08-07: West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo blames board for transfer delays

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo blames the new board for a slow transfer window, with only Joel Veltman signed, while recruiter Nils Koppen’s credibility is under pressure.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-ham-manager-nuno-espirito-santo-blames-board-for-transfer-delays

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Cite as: West Ham United squad rebuilding and transfer tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/west-ham-united-squad-rebuilding-and-transfer-tensions