West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been promised that there will be a “budget to spend” on new signings when the transfer window reopens, according to ExWHUEmployee.

Speaking on The West Ham Way Podcast (quotes via their website), the inside source suggested that the club have prioritised two positions for strengthening:

“There will be a budget to spend in January, with a striker and defender seen as the priority. We understand that the club are not going to appoint an external Head of Recruitment, with the view of working from within.”

No fan would dispute that signing a forward and a centre-back are an absolute must, but you would say that’s the bare minimum.

Who are likely to be the top targets for West Ham?

The identity of the centre-back is already known. Lille’s Alexsandro is said to be the player that Nuno has identified.

It is believed that the Brazilian international would cost at least €30m (£26m) and he may need to be persuaded to move as it is a World Cup year.

However, Alexsandro does have the same agent as Lucas Paqueta, Roc Nation, which may help negotiations run smoothly.

In terms of strikers, an enquiry has already been made for Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee but there are likely to be other options under consideration as well. Ex mentioned Club Brugge’s Romeo Vermant as another potential target.

How much will the club spend?

ExWHUEmployee doesn’t provide any exact details on the budget, but you would hope there would be at least £60m available to Nuno.

If Alexsandro and Zirkzee are the players that have been identified, then it would take around that amount to secure their services. Supporters will be hoping that the Irons don’t try to be clever and look to offer loan deals (with purchase options), as they may end up losing out on their top targets.

Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here