€20m West Ham United Move Blocked For 22-Year-Old Forward: Did The Hammers And Nuno Need Him? | OneFootball

According to Sport Witness, citing an exclusive report from German newspaper BILD, Nürnberg sporting director Joti Chatzialexiou vetoed the move of Mohamed Ali Zoma to West Ham United less than two weeks before the transfer deadline. West Ham United had reportedly offered up to €20 million, while Marseille tabled a bid just below that figure. BILD reported that Zoma and his representatives wanted the move to London, yet Nürnberg chose to keep their main attacker.

His reaction came against Bielefeld. After scoring in the 4-1 win, Zoma skipped the usual celebration, a clear sign of disappointment. His level then dipped in the next matches, although head coach Miroslav Klose backed him rather than making it a dressing-room problem. Klose called the reaction human, praised Zoma’s work in training and held talks before the meeting with Hannover.

Did West Ham United and Nuno need Zoma?

NUREMBERG, GERMANY – AUGUST 09: Mohamed Ali Zoma of Nürnberg looks on during the 2. Bundesliga 2026/27 match between 1. FC Nürnberg and SG Dynamo Dresden at Max-Morlock-Stadion on August 09, 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Yes, because Zoma offered something West Ham lack in abundance, and that’s insane running power. During 2025/26, he posted 11 goals and six assists, while his acceleration helped him break lines and attack space. His latest campaign began even better, with four goals in three league games, including a hat-trick against Dynamo Dresden.

Why West Ham United lost an ideal profile

Nuno Espírito Santo needs forwards who can threaten space quickly after winning it, and Zoma’s pace would have given him another route besides relying on a forward line with less youth and explosiveness. That matters across a long Championship campaign, where opponents can sit deep and force attacks against a packed defence.

Why West Ham United now carry a bigger burden

Zoma’s absence leaves fewer ways for Nuno to change a match off the bench. His Burkina Faso involvement adds another factor, because the forward already brings international experience. West Ham‘s midfield situation has added noise too. Edson Álvarez faces public allegations over a kidnapping case, which he has categorically denied, so those claims should not be treated as an established fact.

Nürnberg’s choice makes sense financially after transfer income, yet it has left Zoma to repair his focus after a move he wanted. For Nuno and West Ham United, their concern sits on the pitch. They missed a young, direct attacker who could have stretched games open.