Keith Wyness is the former chief executive of Everton and Aston Villa. He has serious doubts about West Ham United’s decision to let manager Nuno Espirito Santo bring back winger Adama Traore. Speaking on Football Insider‘s ‘Inside Track’ podcast, the 66-year-old consultant argued that the Spaniard just isn’t consistent enough.
Keith Wyness: Nuno’s Reunion with Traore – Could Be Fatal Error for West Ham
He believes this is a major flaw for a club stuck in a fight to stay in the league. Wyness personally sold Traore during his own time at Villa Park. He insisted that the 30-year-old is not the guy you want in your corner during a tough relegation scrap.
Wyness noted that Nuno and Traore got along well during their time at Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, the winger’s actual performance doesn’t impress him. He told the podcast that Nuno clearly “rates” the player, but a total lack of end product makes this transfer a massive gamble.
The former CEO suggested that Nuno seems to be the one picking the players at the London Stadium. Wyness thinks this is a dangerous way to work when the stakes are this high. He concluded that while the Portuguese manager might see potential, the Hammers simply don’t need the Spaniard right now.
“Yes, I did sell Traore when I was at Villa. I had a chance to analyse him and look at the whole situation there. He’s not the guy I would want to have in the trenches with me in terms of a relegation battle.
“And I get it, Nuno, he’s had him before at Wolves, and he likes him and rates him, but I’m afraid to me there’s no end product. But Nuno seems to be calling the shots.
“So we’ll see, but again, I would disagree with Nuno on this particular player. It’s not what West Ham need right now.”
Speed vs. Substance in a Relegation Dogfight
West Ham United’s situation in the 2025/26 Premier League season is grim. The club sit 18th in the table. They are stuck in the drop zone with only 20 points from 23 games. Recent wins against Tottenham and Sunderland gave them a bit of breathing room.
Even so, the East London club are still five points away from safety. They also have a worrying goal difference of -18. Their shaky defence and an attack that has scored only 27 goals show they desperately need reliable new players up front.
Adama Traore joins this mess as a player who is impossible to predict. His stats from the first half of the season at Fulham are concerning. The Spaniard hasn’t managed a single goal or assist in 20 games. He is still one of the best at carrying the ball forward, but he hasn’t turned those runs into goals throughout his career.
Nuno is counting on Traore’s raw pace to break down defences. However, critics say this signing ignores the reality of a relegation battle. In these fights, scoring goals matters more than flashy footwork. If Traore doesn’t start producing results immediately, this reunion could cost West Ham their spot in the Premier League.
