“SHOCK TACTICAL REVOLUTION LOOMS AT WEST HAM! Nuno ready to RIP UP entire system after club opens SECRET TALKS to hijack blockbuster defender transfer – fans are losing their minds!”

Despite West Ham’s 3-2 win over Burnley before the international break, the team remains stuck in 18th place, having collected only 10 points from their first 11 Premier League matches.

Their defensive record continues to be a major concern, with 23 goals conceded so far— the second-worst tally in the division.

Nuno Espírito Santo will be eager to tighten things up at the back, and dipping into the transfer market in January appears almost inevitable.

Since Nuno’s appointment, West Ham have yet to record a clean sheet, and both Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo have struggled to deliver consistent performances.

The manager may soon be forced to revisit his defensive structure, especially with fresh reinforcements potentially on the way.

West Ham United could shift to a back three with Charlie Cresswell

The club have opened discussions to sign Charlie Cresswell, with a new centre-back understood to be their main priority once the transfer window opens.

The former Leeds United defender has been thriving at Toulouse since making the move to France in 2024, quickly establishing himself as a regular starter in Ligue 1.

West Ham have monitored the 23-year-old for some time, and they even attempted to secure his signature on deadline day during the summer window.

Despite their efforts, the deal fell through, but with January fast approaching, the Hammers appear ready to return for the Preston-born defender.

If Cresswell arrives, Nuno will face a decision regarding his current central defenders.

Todibo has featured six times in the league this season, while Kilman has played every Premier League match in the 2025/26 campaign.

Cresswell, meanwhile, has been operating at the centre of a back three for Toulouse.

Given Nuno’s history of using a back-three setup—most notably during his successful spell at Wolves—bringing in Cresswell could influence him to adjust West Ham’s formation.

He has previously enjoyed strong results with a 3-4-3 system, and with the personnel currently at his disposal, such a tactical switch would be entirely feasible.

Should Cresswell arrive, the temptation to move to that structure may grow, particularly if it offers greater defensive stability.

Cresswell’s Ligue 1 form stands out

Cresswell’s performances in France have been commendable, and his addition could significantly strengthen West Ham’s bid to move clear of relegation danger.

The defender wins an average of 3.61 aerial duels per 90 minutes—placing him in the 95th percentile—and ranks in the 90th percentile for blocks per 90 among centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues, according to fbref.

Beyond his defensive qualities, he also offers a goal threat, having scored three times in 12 league appearances this season.

With West Ham heavily reliant on set pieces, his presence could prove decisive, potentially earning crucial points through his aerial ability alone.

Whether West Ham can secure the deal remains to be seen, but it is clear that new additions are essential if they hope to turn their season around.