West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has finally opened up about several of the biggest talking points surrounding the club’s summer rebuild, offering fresh insight into Freddie Potts’ departure, welcoming new arrival Joel Veltman, and addressing the growing speculation linking Chelsea defender Axel Disasi with a return to the London Stadium.

With the Hammers preparing for their Carabao Cup opener against Portsmouth, attention remains firmly fixed on transfer activity as supporters eagerly await more additions before the Championship season gathers pace.

One of the biggest changes this week came with the arrival of experienced Dutch defender Joel Veltman. After leaving Brighton as a free agent, the versatile defender has signed for West Ham and immediately strengthens a back line that has undergone significant changes this summer.

Nuno made no secret of how pleased he is to have secured the experienced defender.

According to the West Ham boss, Veltman brings leadership, consistency, tactical intelligence and valuable versatility—qualities he believes will prove essential during what promises to be a demanding campaign.

The Portuguese coach stressed that experienced players will play a major role in helping the club achieve its objective of returning to the Premier League.

However, it wasn’t only arrivals that dominated discussion during Friday’s media conference.

Nuno also addressed the departure of academy graduate Freddie Potts, whose £10 million move to Belgian side Club Brugge has divided opinion among supporters.

Many fans questioned whether West Ham had allowed another promising youngster to leave too early, but Nuno explained the reasoning behind the difficult decision.

He admitted that allowing Potts to leave was far from easy because of the midfielder’s connection to the club and the quality he possesses.

Despite that, Nuno insisted the move ultimately represented the best opportunity for the player to continue his development with regular first-team football.

The West Ham manager praised Potts’ professionalism throughout his time at the club and wished him success in Belgium, making it clear that the decision was based on the player’s long-term career rather than any lack of belief in his ability.

Attention then quickly shifted toward Chelsea defender Axel Disasi.

The French international continues to be linked with another move to East London following his previous spell at the club, while reports suggest personal terms would not present a major obstacle if both clubs can reach an agreement.

Supporters hoped Nuno might confirm progress on negotiations, but the manager carefully avoided discussing any ongoing transfer business.

Instead, he chose his words cautiously.

Nuno praised Disasi for the contribution he made during his previous time at West Ham but refused to be drawn into speculation regarding a possible return.

Out of respect for the players currently at his disposal, the Portuguese coach insisted his focus remains entirely on the existing squad while recruitment staff continue working behind the scenes.

He also reassured supporters that West Ham remain active in the market.

According to Nuno, the club already knows exactly which profiles they want to recruit, but there is no intention to rush deals simply to satisfy deadlines.

Instead, sporting director Nils Koppen and the recruitment department are carefully evaluating every opportunity to ensure each signing genuinely improves the squad.

Nuno emphasized that patience is essential because making the wrong signing could prove more damaging than waiting for the right player.

That measured approach suggests West Ham are still expecting more arrivals before the transfer window closes.

Saturday’s clash against Portsmouth could also provide supporters with an early glimpse of several exciting young talents.

With injuries affecting parts of the squad, youngsters including Josh Ajala and Airidas Golambeckis could be handed valuable opportunities to impress in senior football.

The cup fixture therefore represents more than simply the beginning of a new campaign.

It also offers Nuno another chance to evaluate his squad while supporters eagerly wait to see whether more transfer announcements follow Veltman’s arrival.

After a difficult period that ended with relegation, West Ham are attempting to build a squad capable of challenging immediately for promotion.

The arrival of experienced professionals, combined with opportunities for emerging academy players and further reinforcements potentially on the horizon, suggests the rebuilding process is far from complete.

For now, Nuno’s message is clear: recruitment continues behind the scenes, patience remains vital, and every decision is being made with one objective in mind—returning West Ham United to the Premier League as quickly as possible.