Three West Ham transfer priorities have become clear after Nuno Espírito Santo’s side began their competitive season with a 3-1 comeback win over Portsmouth.
Taty Castellanos scored twice and Jarrod Bowen added another after Adrian Segecic had given Portsmouth the lead. It was a positive result, but the opening half-hour offered another reminder that Nuno’s promotion squad remains unfinished.
West Ham begin their Championship campaign at Burnley next Sunday. The club have seven days to turn several advanced transfer situations into something more concrete.
West Ham transfer priorities start with Solomon
Manor Solomon should be the simplest piece of business to finish.
West Ham have agreed a deal worth £5million plus £2million in add-ons with Tottenham, while a medical was booked ahead of a three-year contract.
ReadWestHam has already analysed why Solomon could be an excellent Championship signing. His previous loan spell at Leeds produced 10 goals and 12 assists during their 2024/25 promotion campaign.
That profile addresses one of the clearest weaknesses in Nuno’s squad.
Crysencio Summerville’s departure removed a natural ball-carrier from the left. Solomon can receive wide, attack defenders and create chances without Bowen being asked to provide almost every moment of inspiration.
Getting the deal officially completed should therefore come first. More importantly, Nuno needs Solomon integrated quickly enough to become an option at Turf Moor.
Castellanos changes the Parrott calculation
West Ham’s pursuit of Troy Parrott now requires a slightly different conversation.
Castellanos responded to the speculation around his future by scoring twice against Portsmouth. Nuno also praised the combinations behind West Ham’s goals after the match. ReadWestHam examined the striker dilemma created by Castellanos’ performance.
That does not remove the need for another centre-forward.
A 46-game Championship season demands more than one reliable striker. What changed on Saturday was the expectation around any new arrival.
Parrott does not necessarily need to replace Castellanos immediately.
ReadWestHam reported on Sunday that West Ham are increasingly confident of signing Parrott, with negotiations understood to be centred around a package worth roughly £27million.
AZ Alkmaar also left the Republic of Ireland international out of their starting XI against ADO Den Haag before introducing him from the bench.
Parrott scored more than 30 times for club and country last season. West Ham should keep pushing if they believe he can compete with Castellanos now and lead the attack longer term.
Spending £27million merely for back-up would be difficult to justify. Signing a 24-year-old capable of developing into the club’s first-choice striker is a different proposition.
Nuno still needs another midfielder
The final priority remains central midfield.
Lewis Orford produced another encouraging display against Portsmouth, and academy opportunities should remain part of West Ham’s Championship season. However, expecting young players to carry the creative burden across 46 league matches would be a gamble.
West Ham have already lost Mateus Fernandes and Freddie Potts this summer. Questions also remain around the long-term make-up of Nuno’s midfield.
The club therefore need another player capable of progressing possession and contributing further forward.
Arne Engels has been pursued throughout the summer, while a fresh report now claims West Ham are also interested in Rennes midfielder Jordan James. The Wales international scored 11 Championship goals during his loan spell at Leicester last season and has reportedly been valued around £10million.
Whether the eventual answer is Engels, James or another target, the requirement has not disappeared.
Saturday showed West Ham still possess individuals capable of deciding matches. Bowen remains dangerous and Castellanos has started strongly.
The final week before Burnley should now be about giving them a stronger team around them.
