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West Ham United squad rebuilding and transfer tensions

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2026-08-16 18:42 UTC → 2026-08-19 17:22 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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