West Ham flop still can’t shake unwanted label after summer 2026 exit.

West Ham’s decision to allow Adama Traore to leave the club during the summer transfer window is beginning to look increasingly sensible, with the winger struggling to establish himself at new club Deportivo La Coruna.

The Spanish forward joined the Hammers during the January 2026 transfer window, arriving on a short-term six-month contract. There was initially an expectation that he could provide an attacking spark, particularly because of his previous connection with manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

That relationship had created optimism that Traore could rediscover the form that once made him such a dangerous weapon. However, his time in east London did little to suggest that he could become the difference-maker West Ham needed.

Traore was given the remainder of the season to prove he deserved a longer stay. West Ham were prepared to assess his performances before making a final decision over whether to extend his deal.

The situation did not work out. The Hammers suffered relegation to the Championship, while Traore moved on at the end of his temporary contract.

Traore moved to Deportivo La Coruna during the summer hoping to make a strong impression and quickly establish himself in their team. Given his extensive experience, there were reasons to believe he could become an important player for the Spanish club.

The 30-year-old has previously played at the highest level in both England and Spain, giving him a significant amount of experience to bring into a new dressing room.

However, his opening weeks at Deportivo have been underwhelming. Rather than becoming a regular starter, Traore has found himself primarily used as an impact substitute.

According to the print edition of La Voz de Galicia on October 27, the winger has been described as a “game-changer off the bench”, a label he has so far failed to escape.

Traore has made seven appearances for Deportivo so far, but every one of those outings has come from the substitutes’ bench. Instead of establishing himself as one of the first names on the team sheet, he has been restricted to a supporting role.

There was excitement when Deportivo brought him in during the summer. His previous Premier League experience, combined with his time in La Liga, meant he arrived with a reputation that suggested he could make an immediate contribution.

For West Ham, that will provide some reassurance that allowing the winger to leave was not necessarily the wrong call. Traore struggled to deliver the sort of consistent influence that would have justified a longer contract at London Stadium, and his slow start in Spain has only strengthened that argument.

However, West Ham’s decision to move on from Traore should not hide another problem facing the club: they have not completely solved the issue of replacing him.

The Hammers needed to strengthen their wide attacking options after several departures, but the recruitment has not entirely produced the level of impact supporters were hoping for.

Manor Solomon has arguably offered more than Traore did during his brief spell in London, but the Israeli winger has not yet developed into the transformational signing many expected.

West Ham have also had to deal with the loss of Crysencio Summerville, whose departure removed another quick and direct option from the attacking group.

That has left Nuno Espirito Santo needing to find alternative solutions, particularly in wide areas where pace and unpredictability can make a difference.

One player who could eventually provide that spark is Edvin Austbo. The youngster has shown enough promise to suggest he could become an important part of the squad, although opportunities will be crucial if he is to develop and demonstrate what he can offer.

Nuno will therefore have to decide whether to trust Austbo with more starts as West Ham attempt to build an attacking unit capable of competing at Championship level.

While the Hammers may still have questions about their recruitment, there is at least one decision that appears easier to defend.

Traore’s struggles at Deportivo mean West Ham are unlikely to be looking back with regret over allowing him to leave in the summer.

The Spaniard could still turn his situation around. Seven substitute appearances do not necessarily determine how his entire spell in Spain will develop, and Deportivo could still find a more important role for him as the season progresses.

Nevertheless, his current status suggests that West Ham were right to hesitate before committing to a longer-term agreement.

The Hammers are also reportedly exploring a move for Jadon Sancho. Bringing in a player with his qualities could give Nuno another option out wide and potentially address some of the attacking shortcomings that have remained since the summer changes.

For now, Traore’s situation represents one less decision for West Ham to worry about. His failure to secure a starting role at Deportivo has offered further evidence that moving on was understandable, even if the club still needs to find better replacements for the attacking players they have lost.