West Ham United have received another major promotion vote of confidence, with The Guardian suggesting Nuno Espírito Santo has enough quality to make an immediate Premier League return a realistic expectation.
The Hammers begin their Championship campaign away to Burnley on Sunday after a summer of significant change at the London Stadium.
Several major names have departed, but Jarrod Bowen’s decision to remain has ensured Nuno retains the player most capable of deciding matches at this level.
West Ham promotion hopes strengthened by Bowen decision
In its 2026/27 Championship season preview, The Guardian places West Ham among the leading contenders for promotion and describes Bowen staying as a major positive.
The report argues that the overall quality available to Nuno should make bouncing straight back a relatively straightforward task, although West Ham’s slower incoming transfer business is identified as the main concern.
That balance feels important.
West Ham have raised substantial money through player sales, but Nuno’s squad still contains proven top-flight quality. Bowen remains the headline name, while Taty Castellanos began the competitive campaign with two goals against Portsmouth.
There has also been encouraging news around another important player.
ReadWestHam reported on Thursday evening that El Hadji Malick Diouf now looks increasingly likely to stay despite significant Premier League interest.
Keeping players of that level while adding further quality could leave West Ham with one of the Championship’s strongest squads.
There are still gaps to address. Another striker and midfielder remain priorities, while the collapse of the proposed Reiss Nelson move has left Nuno searching for additional width.
Sunday will offer the first real indication of how strong West Ham currently are.
Burnley are themselves expected to challenge near the top of the division, making Turf Moor an immediate test of the promotion credentials being placed on Nuno’s side.
The expectation is clear.
West Ham have the talent to go straight back up. Now they have to prove it.
Comments.
Loading comments…