West Ham deepen their fight against relegation by signing Adama Traore from Fulham on a short-term deal. The winger agrees a six-month contract including an option for another year. Adama may make a first appearance away at Chelsea on Saturday, with West Ham currently five points from safety despite better recent results.
The move brings Adama back under Nuno Espirito Santo at the London Stadium after three seasons together at Wolves. The Barcelona academy graduate becomes West Ham's third permanent arrival of the month, following Valentin Castellanos and Pablo. Keiber Lamadrid also joins on loan until season's end, joining the Under-21 squad.
Adama arrives with deep Premier League experience built across four clubs. The 30-year-old has played
262 league matches for Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Wolves and Fulham. During those games, Adama has scored 14 goals and supplied 25 assists. Adama also spent two-and-a-half seasons at Craven Cottage before this switch across London.
Nuno highlights both familiarity and tactical value in the club's announcement of the deal on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. "We are very happy to welcome Adama to the club," Nuno told West Ham's official website. "He is someone I obviously know well from our time together at Wolves, and I am looking forward to working with him again.
"Adama is someone who knows the Premier League very well. His unique qualities as a player will help us between now and the end of the season. He will give us a different option in attacking areas. He is also very motivated to fight for us and ready to bring energy, commitment and determination to our challenge. "
West to East pic.twitter.com/KvCR8PIdPaWest Ham United (@WestHam) January 28, 2026
The structure of Adama's contract keeps West Ham flexible as the season develops. The agreement initially runs for six months, carrying an option for a further 12 months. That allows the club to judge Adama's impact during the survival battle before deciding on a longer stay under Nuno.
Adama outlines personal motivation and the importance of reuniting with Nuno when speaking after the move. "I'm so happy to be here, so happy to be here to help the team the maximum I can, show my quality and help the best I can," Adama said. "Me and Nuno had special moments in Wolverhampton.
"It's a moment which is special for me, my time at Wolves, because of the way he trusted me when I left Middlesbrough. I think it's very special in football, the relationship I have in football with him. I'm in his team right now, so I'm going to try to do my best.
"I'm going to improve what is the best for the team. Also, I'm excited to start working with him and with the players. "
West Ham Adama Traore signing and key statistics
Adama's career numbers highlight why West Ham see value in the short-term addition. His direct goal contributions in the league, plus experience in varied systems, give Nuno another option out wide. The table below summarises Adama's overall Premier League record heading into the Chelsea fixture.
West Ham now rely on Adama's pace, experience and understanding with Nuno during a crucial schedule. The winger's knowledge of the league, along with earlier links to Nuno's tactical demands, should aid a squad already reshaped by January business. The club hope those additions collectively support their push to climb above the relegation places.
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