West Ham Boss Nuno Demands More Attacking Signings Despite £22m Arne Engels Arrival

West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has called for more attacking reinforcements despite the club completing a Championship-record £22 million move for Arne Engels.

The Portuguese manager’s comments came after West Ham surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Burnley in their Championship opener, exposing concerns over the depth of his attacking options.

Nuno wants more attacking players

West Ham have already been active in the transfer market following their relegation from the Premier League, but Nuno believes the squad still lacks sufficient attacking depth.

Speaking after the draw at Burnley, the West Ham boss made his priorities clear.

“We need players, especially in the offensive part of the team.”

Nuno explained that the lack of options in attack has already forced him to make tactical adjustments, including using unconventional combinations involving his full-backs.

“We have young lads, we have options of double full-back… but we need more bodies in the offensive part of the team.”

The message to West Ham’s hierarchy is clear: the recruitment work is far from finished.

Arne Engels arrives for club-record fee

West Ham’s latest major addition is Belgian midfielder Arne Engels, who joined from Celtic for a reported £22 million.

The deal makes Engels the most expensive signing in Championship history and represents a significant investment as West Ham attempt to bounce back to the Premier League.

Engels arrives with an impressive record from his time at Celtic, where he contributed 17 goals and 22 assists in 100 appearances.

Nuno believes the midfielder can make an immediate impact.

“He’s a very good player. I think he’ll help us a lot in the middle of the park.”

The Portuguese manager particularly highlighted the importance of Engels’ arrival given the youthfulness of his midfield.

West Ham’s midfield could become stronger

While Nuno remains concerned about his attacking options, he believes the midfield situation will improve as experienced players return.

Tomas Soucek’s return should provide another option in the centre of the pitch, while Engels adds creativity and attacking quality.

“When he returns, I think we’ll have more options and be stronger in the middle of the park.”

That could give Nuno more flexibility as West Ham navigate the demands of their Championship campaign.

West Ham still working on transfers

The Hammers have already brought in several players this summer, including Engels, Joel Veltman, Manor Solomon and Keiber Lamadrid, whose loan move was made permanent.

However, Nuno insists the club’s recruitment team understands where the squad still needs improvement.

“There’s a lot of activity. The club knows the targets and the needs of the team. We’re working very hard and trying to get the bodies in as soon as possible.”

For West Ham, the priority now appears to be finding attacking players capable of turning promising performances into victories.

Their collapse against Burnley demonstrated exactly why Nuno wants more options.

Sport Market International Verdict

Arne Engels could prove to be an excellent addition for West Ham, but Nuno’s comments show that the Belgian midfielder isn’t the final piece of the puzzle.

The Hammers need more attacking quality and depth if they are serious about securing an immediate return to the Premier League.

A Championship campaign is long and physically demanding, and relying heavily on inexperienced attacking players could prove costly.

Engels may strengthen the midfield, but Nuno clearly wants West Ham to keep spending at the other end of the pitch.