West Ham United are currently preparing the paperwork to sign a ‘special’ attacker in what could be Nuno’s first signing.
Nuno aims for first win as West Ham manager
West Ham thought Nuno would be the man to turn things around after Graham Potter became the second managerial casualty of the Premier League season, but the former Nottingham Forest manager hasn’t had the best of starts.
The 51-year-old is still chasing his first win since replacing Potter in the dugout, but the Hammers have lost their last three games on a spin and are 19th in the Premier League, four points off safety.
What is most concerning is the recent results. The Irons lost 2-1 to Leeds United at Elland Road but could earn a real six points at the end of the season.
Nuno’s side performed very poorly, with an xG of just 0.65, suggesting they need to strengthen their front line in the January transfer window if they are to avoid relegation fears.
According to reporter Alan Nixon (via Caught Offside), West Ham are currently preparing the paperwork to sign Barcelona attacker Doro Fernandes and are planning a major January signing after a very poor start to the season.
Fernandes has now emerged as a serious target for the Hammers, who are looking to be wise in getting a deal done before his valuation goes through the roof, with the attacker potentially becoming Nuno’s first signing as manager.
However, the La Liga giants are well aware of the 17-year-old’s potential, so he is likely to command a high valuation, and the price could be exorbitant.
‘Special’ Fernandes may be destined for the top
It would perhaps be surprising if Barça were willing to let the teenager leave, given that he has been highly rated by former manager Javi Roxo in the past and clearly has a lot of potential.
Roxo said: “Doro was always special, he had a talent for touching the ball, he was always very creative.
“Doro has all the abilities and if Coach Flick puts him on the wing, he will do well too. It’s not Rafinha, but he will look like Iniesta, who played on the left. If he is free from pressure and can play freely, he can do anything and his talent is limitless.”
Despite his age, the young Spaniard is already committed to competing for the first team, with scout Jacek Kulig impressed by his recent performances in the Champions League.
However, for West Ham, it would be a gamble to sign him to get themselves out of relegation trouble, given Fernandes’ lack of experience, and it may be wiser to target a player with a proven track record in the Premier League.