West Ham United have secured two wins, three draws, and suffered only one loss in their last six Premier League outings.
The Hammers have shown remarkable improvement under Nuno Espirito Santo, and while they remain in the relegation zone, there is now a belief they can battle out of the rut.
They are projecting West Ham will pip Leeds United to claim 17th place.
However, the East London club will need strategic additions in the winter window to see them over the line come May.
While the winter window doesn’t present many exciting opportunities, West Ham must seize this chance to bolster the roster for the second half of the journey.
Read on as we look at three realistic signings West Ham could make this winter as they bid to continue their 13-year stay in the top flight.
William Osula (Newcastle United)
West Ham desperately need a young, hungry striker to lead the line. Niclas Fullkrug has underwhelmed, and despite Callum Wilson’s upturn in form, he is entering the twilight of his career.
West Ham are being linked to names like Joshua Zirkzee and Ivan Toney, but will be better served launching a swoop for Newcastle United’s William Osula.
Osula has three goals and an assist in 14 appearances this term, mainly as a substitute centre-forward. He is physically solid and still nimble enough to escape markers.
The Dane is a rangy, quick, and hard-working striker who runs the channels relentlessly and knows how to stick the ball into the back of the net. He also has Premier League experience.
West Ham should be all over the under-utilised Osula in the winter market, especially with Yoane Wissa returning from a lengthy spell to push the 22-year-old further down the pecking order.
Josh Acheampong (Chelsea)
Nuno’s insistence on playing a back three and Max Kilman’s dwindling form mean that West Ham have to bring in an extra defender next month.
The Hammers could use an athletic, ball-playing defender with excellent defensive instincts to anchor Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo. Enter Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong.
Despite proving to be one of the better centre-backs on Chelsea’s books, the prodigal Acheampong continues to struggle for game time.
West Ham should seize the opportunity to take him on a six-month loan, which the hierarchy can even extend into next season.
The 19-year-old has spun heads in West London, showing maturity that belies his years. His ability to also play in midfield is a bonus that will entice Nuno.
Acheampong could be quite the steal for West Ham, and a loan deal suits all parties involved.
The Hammers will be getting a fantastic, young defender who can be a transformative addition as he gains top-flight experience, which benefits Chelsea whether they decide to keep or sell him.
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
From playing an integral role in England’s run at the 2024 European Championship, Kobbie Mainoo finds himself on the periphery at Manchester United.
The young central midfielder is crying out for game time, and West Ham should be at the front of the queue to secure his signature if he can manage to wriggle out of United.
Man Utd coach Ruben Amorim wants to keep him for depth, but West Ham must do everything to convince him to engineer a move to the London Stadium for the second half of the season.
His addition would strengthen West Ham in the centre of the park, especially if James Ward-Prowse leaves.
Mainoo keeps the ball ticking and comes alive in the final third, knitting play together. He also has goals in him and works hard defensively.
The 20-year-old could enjoy a new lease of life under Nuno, potentially helping West Ham escape relegation and playing himself into Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad.