As the January transfer window steadily approaches, West Ham United face crucial decisions regarding the future of several fringe players. With manager Nuno Espírito Santo looking to fine-tune his squad for the remainder of the season, reports from Yahoo Sports and Claret & Hugh highlight a looming clear-out.
Among the high-profile names up for discussion are midfielders Edson Alvarez and Soungoutou Magassa, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, and young winger Keiber Lamadrid. But which of these players should the Hammers ruthlessly offload, and who deserves a second chance?
1. Edson Alvarez: Time to Cash In
Edson Alvarez finds himself in football limbo following an uneventful loan spell at Fenerbahçe last season and a failed summer exit. After the club rejected offers falling below their valuation, the Mexican midfielder remained in London, occupying a valuable squad and wage slot.
- The Verdict: Sell.
- Why: Alvarez simply does not fit cleanly into Nuno’s current tactical vision. Offloading him in January would free up substantial wages and open up a roster spot for a player who better suits the manager’s style.
2. Alphonse Areola: Cut Ties to Reduce the Wage Bill
Once a reliable presence between the posts, Alphonse Areola has found himself entirely frozen out of West Ham’s Premier League and cup matchday squads this season. While a club source denied any personal rift with Nuno, keeping an expensive contract on the books for a player completely out of the picture makes little financial sense.
- The Verdict: Sell.
- Why: With his contract set to expire next summer, a January departure for a modest fee allows West Ham to shave months of high-earning salary off their wage bill while the player seeks regular minutes elsewhere.
3. Soungoutou Magassa: Patience Is Required
The 22-year-old Frenchman arrived from Monaco in August 2025 for a hefty €20 million package. Despite drawing summer interest from clubs like Bologna and Sevilla, West Ham opted to keep him in London.
- The Verdict: Keep.
- Why: Selling him now for a cut-price €15–20m would mean writing off a significant investment prematurely. Magassa offers youthful physicality, tactical versatility, and essential cover across the midfield and central defense. Nuno must allow his role to develop.
4. Keiber Lamadrid: Show Faith in Youth
Following a successful loan spell, West Ham triggered a £1m permanent option to bring Keiber Lamadrid over from Deportivo La Guaira in June. Given his age and limited senior exposure, pushing him out the door prematurely makes little sporting sense.
- The Verdict: Keep.
- Why: Young wingers require time, proper coaching, and developmental minutes. Writing off a low-cost, high-upside investment after just a few months is entirely counterproductive.
Summary
West Ham must approach the January window with surgical precision rather than a sledgehammer. Cutting ties with expensive, surplus veterans like Alvarez and Areola will streamline the squad and finances, while retaining young talents like Magassa and Lamadrid preserves the club’s long-term future.
Do you think West Ham should prioritize selling Edson Alvarez and Alphonse Areola in January, or should Nuno give them another chance in the squad?
