Traore changes colours, not city: Hammers get their serious hammer for survival fight

West Ham have rolled the dice and pulled out pure muscle and belief.

Adama Traore is officially a Hammer. The 30-year-old winger has crossed London from Fulham in a deal worth up to £2m, reuniting with Nuno Espirito Santo, the coach who once unleashed his best version at Wolves.

It's a low-risk move on paper: £1m up front, rising to £2m with add-ons, contract until the end of the season with an option for another year. However, the implications are far bigger. West Ham are in the relegation zone and need an impact now.

Traore arrives short on minutes - just two Premier League starts this season for Fulham - and was a notable absentee in their weekend win over Brighton. But what he lacks in rhythm, he makes up for with explosiveness, experience, and hunger.

"If I'm the same person as yesterday, it's one day lost," said Traore, whose words sound like a mission statement for West Ham's survival fight.

Capped eight times by Spain and forged at Barcelona, Traore's career spanned through Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Wolves before landing at Fulham in 2023. His final bow came in the FA Cup win over Middlesbrough on 10 January.

EXCLUSIVE One on one with Adama Traore

The Hammers have collected just 20 points so far, and are in the relegation zone, five points from safety, with just 15 games to survive.

Adama Traore doesn't promise goals, but the desire and momentum for sure. For West Ham, that might just be enough.