West Ham United academy strikers Daniel Cummings and Josh Landers could receive an important chance to impress Nuno Espírito Santo during the next stage of pre-season.
The Hammers remain short of settled options at centre-forward following Callum Wilson’s departure. Taty Castellanos, Pablo Felipe and returning loanee Niclas Füllkrug are currently involved, although the long-term picture remains unsettled, particularly around Füllkrug.
Callum Marshall’s position also appears increasingly clear. The Athletic reports that the Northern Ireland international does not feature in Nuno’s plans and is expected to be sold during the summer window.
Marshall has received early pre-season minutes, but the reported decision leaves space for another young forward to force his way into the manager’s thinking.
Cummings gets chance after difficult first season
Cummings joined West Ham from Celtic last summer with a strong reputation after scoring regularly at youth level in Scotland.
His first season in east London was disrupted by a shoulder injury, which delayed his involvement with the under-21s. However, the 20-year-old recovered to score six goals during 2026, including a strike against Borussia Dortmund in the Premier League International Cup.
The forward still needs time to adjust to the physical demands of English football. A loan move remains a realistic next step, but pre-season gives Nuno an opportunity to assess his movement, finishing and ability to lead the attack against senior defenders.
Cummings was not involved at Roots Hall. However, Wednesday’s friendly against Stevenage offers another opportunity for West Ham to rotate their squad before facing Rangers and Magdeburg. The match takes place at the Lamex Stadium on 22 July, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
Landers could be the surprise inclusion
Landers may currently be closer to senior football after combining regular academy goals with a short National League loan at Boreham Wood.
The Scotland youth international scored nine goals in 30 academy appearances before joining Luke Garrard’s side in March. He then gained experience in a demanding senior environment during the closing weeks of the campaign.
Landers is under contract until 2028 and has already shown the physical profile needed to compete against experienced defenders. His pressing and penalty-area movement could also suit a Championship season containing 46 league matches.
Nuno has two different development decisions
As West Ham’s wider academy assessment highlighted, Nuno and recruitment director Nils Koppen are delaying several loan decisions until the youngsters have been examined during pre-season.
The pair offer different development routes. Cummings carries the stronger goalscoring reputation from youth football, while Landers has more recent senior exposure. Nuno may be deciding who can provide emergency depth during August rather than selecting a permanent second-choice forward.
Neither Cummings nor Landers should be expected to become an immediate first-choice striker. West Ham still need another proven forward if senior departures continue.
However, the uncertainty around Marshall and Füllkrug has created a genuine opening. A strong performance at Stevenage could move one of the Scottish pair closer to Nuno’s Championship squad or secure the right loan for the next stage of their development.
