Three Players Scott Parker Could Target As West Ham Prepare For January Window
Scott Parker could have an immediate opportunity to reshape West Ham United’s squad following his expected appointment as head coach after Nuno Espírito Santo’s dismissal.
The former Hammers midfielder faces a significant challenge as he looks to revive the club’s promotion ambitions, with West Ham currently eighth in the Championship, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough.
The London club made an encouraging start to the campaign, scoring 16 goals during a four-match winning streak in September. However, their momentum has since faded, with only two victories in their last six league matches. Consecutive home defeats to Southampton and West Bromwich Albion ultimately brought Nuno’s spell to an end.
Parker will inherit a squad that has undergone considerable changes since relegation, with approximately £150 million raised through player sales and some of that money reinvested in new signings.
Despite the investment, there are still areas that require attention, particularly in attack. The January transfer window could therefore present Parker with an opportunity to bring in players capable of strengthening the squad for the remainder of the promotion campaign.
Here are three players who could emerge as potential targets for the new West Ham boss.
Tammy Abraham – Aston Villa
A striker is likely to be among Parker’s priorities, with Pablo and Taty Castellanos struggling to make a significant impact in front of goal. The pair have managed just two league goals between them in West Ham’s opening 13 matches, leaving the club short of a consistent attacking threat.
Tammy Abraham could offer a solution. The 28-year-old has struggled to secure regular opportunities since returning to Aston Villa in the summer for approximately £18 million.
The England international was reportedly close to joining Ipswich Town on loan, but a move to West Ham could provide an alternative opportunity to secure regular first-team football.
Abraham has previously enjoyed success in London, scoring 30 goals in 82 appearances for Chelsea. He also boasts an impressive Championship record, having found the net 48 times in 78 appearances in the competition.
With competition for places at Villa, Parker could offer the striker a fresh opportunity while adding a proven goalscorer to West Ham’s attacking options.
Jadon Sancho – Free Agent
West Ham could also look to strengthen their wide positions, particularly if Parker opts for his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Manor Solomon has arrived to provide an attacking option, but additional quality and competition on the flanks could help the Hammers become more dangerous going forward.
Jadon Sancho remains an intriguing possibility after leaving Manchester United in the summer. The former Borussia Dortmund winger has reportedly been linked with West Ham, with his representatives exploring opportunities at several English clubs.
Although his Premier League record stands at 12 goals and 13 assists in 112 appearances, Sancho has previously demonstrated his attacking ability, particularly during his time in Germany.
There would naturally be questions surrounding his consistency and whether he could rediscover his best form. However, as a free agent, he would not require a transfer fee, potentially making him a relatively low-cost option for Parker.
A move to east London could give the 25-year-old an opportunity to rebuild his career while providing West Ham with another attacking option.
Rav van den Berg – FC Köln
Defensive reinforcements could also feature on Parker’s January wishlist, particularly with Konstantinos Mavropanos reportedly attracting interest from Turkish giants Besiktas.
The Greece international has been an important figure for West Ham this season, and losing him would leave a significant gap in the defensive department.
However, Rav van den Berg could be an option worth revisiting. The Dutch defender joined FC Köln in 2025 for a reported fee of approximately £11 million and has previously been linked with a move to the Hammers.
Parker may already have some familiarity with the defender from his time managing Burnley in the Championship, which could give him a useful understanding of the player’s qualities.
Van den Berg’s previous Championship experience would also make him an interesting addition as West Ham look to strengthen their defensive options.
With youngster Airidas Golambeckis already being introduced to the first team, bringing in another centre-back could provide valuable depth, regardless of whether Mavropanos remains at the club.
A January move could therefore address a potential departure while adding a young defender with experience in English football.
Parker Faces Important January Decisions
Parker’s immediate priority will be to stabilise West Ham’s performances and get their promotion challenge back on track. However, the January transfer window could prove crucial in determining whether the Hammers have enough quality and depth to compete for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Abraham, Sancho and van den Berg would address three different areas of concern, although much will depend on the club’s transfer budget and the opportunities available.