Maxwel Cornet has returned to West Ham United training, giving Nuno Espirito Santo an immediate squad-depth decision at the start of pre-season.
Claret & Hugh report that Cornet was back at Rush Green on Monday, despite not appearing prominently in West Ham’s official training footage.
West Ham confirmed the men’s squad have returned to Rush Green for the first stage of their pre-season programme.
Cornet spent last season on loan at Genoa and now has one year left on his West Ham contract. His position is awkward, but still relevant.
The 29-year-old has struggled to make a lasting impact since joining the club. His return still gives Nuno another senior player to assess before the Championship campaign begins.
Cornet Hands Nuno A Depth Call
Cornet’s past use as a winger, wing-back and emergency forward gives West Ham some flexibility. That could be useful across a long Championship season.
ReadWestHam has already covered how West Ham’s return to Rush Green gives Nuno his first major pre-season block. Cornet now becomes part of that early assessment period.
There is also a market reality around the situation. After an uneven loan spell and limited recent Premier League impact, West Ham are unlikely to bank a major fee.
Keeping Cornet through pre-season may be more useful than rushing into a low-return exit. Nuno can judge his fitness, attitude and tactical fit before the club make a final call.
West Ham’s schedule will also force rotation. The club have arranged a friendly away to Rangers and will also visit 1. FC Magdeburg later in pre-season.
For a squad already dealing with sales, injuries and promotion pressure, Cornet’s return gives Nuno one more senior body. His final contract year may still have a purpose if he proves he can handle the demands of the division.
