We’re taking a look at five West Ham January transfer targets that could make the difference in keeping the Irons in the Premier League this season.
It’s been a torrid start to the season for West Ham United.
Having only taken over from Julen Lopetigui in January, manager Graham Potter was sacked in September.
At the time, the Hammers were 19th in the table with four points from their opening six.
But since then, they have picked up just three more points. New manager Nuno Espirito Santo claimed his first league win against Newcastle United at the weekend.
Those three points elevated West Ham to 18th, three points below Burnley and safety.
Having failed to hit the ground running, the next West Ham manager odds suggest Nuno’s position is far from safe.
But despite their dire start, there is more than enough time to turn things around for the London outfit.
However, it’s clear that they need some January reinforcements if they are to have the best possible chance of survival.
To that end, we at SportsCasting have picked out five West Ham transfer targets that could make the difference.
Below, we’ve analysed how they could help West Ham, where they’d fit into the current squad, and how possible a January move could be.
Five West Ham Transfer Targets That Could Keep Them Up
1. Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United)
First up, we have Joshua Zirkzee. The 6’3 forward is a powerful target man with good movement and finishing ability.
He has struggled to adapt at Manchester United, and could well be looking for the exit.
Signing Zirkzee would give West Ham a ‘proper’ centre forward to lead the line, taking pressure off the likes of Jarrod Bowen to be the side’s main goal threat.
The Dutchman’s aerial presence and hold-up play around the box could be vital for a team like West Ham that need to grind out results.
But in order to sign him in January, the Irons would probably need to attempt a loan move with a buy option.
It remains to be seen if United would be willing to part with Zirkzee, and his wage demands will be steep.
But if West Ham are serious about survival, signing the 24-year-old could be a great move.
2. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
Another West Ham transfer target that’s firmly on the radar is Kobbie Mainoo.
Like Manchester United teammate Zirkzee, Mainoo has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford.
A talented young midfielder, he could help control the tempo and bring composure, ball retention and technical quality.
Sitting deeper, Mainoo could allow the likes of Matty Fernandes to push further up the field.
But as targets go, this is one of the less likely options. Man United are thought to be very reluctant to sell Mainoo, especially mid-season.
Some estimates value the England international at close to £70 million, well beyond what West Ham are capable of paying at present.
Mainoo would be a superb addition, but the cost of attaining him probably makes this one impossible in January.
3. Ivan Toney (Al‑Ahli Saudi FC)
Next up, Ivan Toney is a proven Premier League goalscorer, with 72 Brentford goals in 141 games for the Bees.
It would be a serious statement of intent for West Ham to bring him back to England.
For a relegation-threatened team, signing a forward who can score 15-20 goals in a season is massive.
Toney would almost guarantee more goals for West Ham, and knows the league already.
With the World Cup next summer, some reports indicate he is keen to return to the Premier League in order to fight for an England spot.
But Toney completed his Saudi Pro League move 2024 for around £40 million, and it would likely take another big fee to bring him back.
4. Óscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo)
At the other end of the field, Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza has been heavily linked to West Ham.
A versatile and athletic player, he can cover full-back and also pops up with plenty of goals and assists, recording 10 contributions last season.
Mingueza would offer added depth and injury cover, and is a more affordable option.
According to reports, the 26-year-old Spaniard has a release clause of around £17 million.
Bolstering the defence would massively help West Ham, who have leaked 21 goals in 10 games.
Only bottom club Wolves have let in more, so bringing in a solid defender for a good price seems a smart move.
5. Yann Bisseck (Inter Milan)
And finally, we have another defensive transfer target for West Ham.
Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck is a young centre-back with excellent physical attributes and bags of potential.
Still only 24, the German is growing into a top level defender.
🚨 Inter Milan's Germany defender Yann Bisseck is keen on a move to England.
West Ham United are one possible destination with Nuno set to be given funds in January.
However, Tottenham have been scouting him too, as they prepare for the loss of either of Cristian Romero or… pic.twitter.com/QsFfQe5ams
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 5, 2025
But he is contracted to Inter until 2029, and the Serie A side are reluctant to sell.
Regarded as part of a long-term project for the Italians, Bisseck would likely cost more than West Ham can afford right now.
And with rivals such as Tottenham also rumoured to be interested, this would be a tough one to pull off.
Will West Ham Signing These Transfer Targets Keep Them Up?
Of the five West Ham transfer targets listed, Mingueza and Zirkzee are the most probable.
Both would come at a lower price point than the rest, and are more likely January options.
But bringing in just those two is unlikely to shift the needle sufficiently to make the difference.
Signing all five targets is also obviously unrealistic. But if West Ham want to stay up ,they are going to need to improve their squad in the upcoming window.
The cost of a marquee addition might be a lot, but the cost of losing Premier League status would far outweigh any January transfer outlay.
