West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo is faced with key “issues” in the build up to January, which could mean he loses one of his big-name players.

Nuno set for first West Ham home game as manager against Brentford

With the October international break now over, much to the delight of Premier League fans, Nuno is braced for his first home game as West Ham boss.

Nuno will be determined to make a strong impression on the London Stadium crowd and kickstart a positive run of form. However, the occasion is set to be clouded by unrest among some sections of the West Ham fanbase, who have announced a boycott of the match in protest against the club’s ownership.

Supporters’ group Hammers United, who are actively calling for the resignations of David Sullivan and Karren Brady, did send an open letter of backing to Nuno, explaining their stance is not aimed towards the Portuguese or his team.

“We would like to welcome our new manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, and his coaching staff to the club and wish them all the very best as they work together to improve performances on the pitch and put West Ham United back on track,” the letter read.

“As you will no doubt be aware, prior to your arrival at the club, we launched the ‘No More BS’ campaign, which is calling for the resignations of Karren Brady and David Sullivan.

“This campaign was not aimed at your predecessors, it is not aimed at you and your team, and we would like to take this opportunity to make it absolutely clear that you have our full support.”

Adding to West Ham’s challenges is the absence of striker Niclas Füllkrug, who could be sidelined for several weeks with a thigh injury.

Fullkrug’s latest injury adds to his torrid fitness record since joining the East Londoners from Borussia Dortmund in 2024, and this setback means Nuno will be without his first choice striker for the foreseeable future.

This puts additional pressure on the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville and Lucas Paqueta as the creators, with Callum Wilson and Callum Marshall now tasked with stepping up to replace the German.

Speaking of Paqueta, while reports suggest that West Ham are not keen on selling the Brazil international in January, Sullivan’s hand could be forced.

West Ham ready to sell Lucas Paqueta for £60 million in January

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, via Hammers News, West Ham face obstacles financially, and if any side were to bid around £60 million for Paqueta, Nuno’s side would green-light his exit mid-season.

“West Ham have issues in terms of having to raise funds to buy, so that does mean that inevitably the big names and most sellable assets are going to be linked,” Bailey said.

“Paqueta is not looking to leave and West Ham not looking to sell.

“But if someone comes in with this asking price, which is around £60 million I am told, then, yeah, he could go.”

The 28-year-old was believed to be close to joining Aston Villa in the summer, but in a show of loyalty, Paqueta kissed the badge after scoring against Nottingham Forest and chose to stick with West Ham after they backed him through his spot-fixing allegations.

The former Lyon star hasn’t been at his consistent best since 2023/2024, partly as a result of that major off-field distraction, but Paqueta will now be itching to prove himself to Nuno as West Ham look to battle away from the drop zone.

However, in the event of an offer too good to refuse, Paqueta’s mid-season exit cannot be ruled out, and any of the funds acquired for his services could be reinvested into signing a new striker.

Of the centre-forwards linked with a move to the London Stadium, Man United’s Josh Zirkzee is believed to be attracting West Ham’s interest ahead of January.