Nuno Espírito Santo Bars Adama Traoré from Weightlifting at West Ham Training Ground

West Ham Manager Moves to Prevent Winger from Bulking Further

Adama Traoré has reportedly been barred from lifting heavy weights at West Ham United’s training ground by manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

Renowned for his muscular physique, the Hammers winger has long maintained that his powerful build is purely the result of genetics, previously insisting that he does not lift weights. However, that claim was recently called into question after team-mate Crysencio Summerville shared a video of Traoré seated at a weight bench at the club’s Rush Green training facility.

In the footage, the 30-year-old appeared poised to bench press an imposing 145kg, although he was quick to deny that he was actually using the equipment.

Regardless, Nuno has now intervened to ensure the Spaniard refrains from further heavy lifting, fearing that additional muscle mass could prove counterproductive.

Nuno: “He Should Avoid the Gym”

The Portuguese coach, who brought Traoré to the London Stadium in January following their previous spell together at Wolves, addressed the matter during his pre-match press conference ahead of West Ham’s trip to Fulham.

Praising Traoré’s natural physique, Nuno made it clear that he has instructed the winger to stay away from weight training.

“It’s incredible — it’s genetics,” Nuno said.
“His genetics have been like this for some time now and he should avoid the gym. I’ve told him to stay out of the gym.
It’s enough weight that he carries.
He’ll do prevention work in the gym, but he’s not in there lifting weights.”

To underline his point, Nuno referenced 18-year-old Under-21s defender Airidas Golambeckis, who he believes requires additional muscle mass.

“For example, Airidas Golambeckis spends hours in the gym. We have to get weight on him — he’s the one who needs some muscle. It’s the other way round.”

“His Chance Will Come”

Traoré, who made 15 league appearances for Fulham during the first half of the season, has yet to start a Premier League match for West Ham since his January arrival.

He was signed to strengthen the club’s fight against relegation, but his only start so far came in February’s FA Cup victory over Burton Albion.

The winger is no stranger to Nuno’s methods, having made 131 appearances under the Portuguese manager at Wolves between 2018 and 2021. Despite limited minutes in east London, Nuno has insisted that Traoré’s opportunity will arrive.

“Traoré’s unique. There are not many players in world football with his ability, pace and skill in one-v-one situations,” Nuno said.
“He’s a talent we have to take advantage of, but it will take time. He has to adapt and understand many things within the dynamics of the team.
He’s proven himself — not only at Wolves but in England and with the Spain squad not long ago. We’re talking about a high-level player.
The squad has accepted him really well. He has brought new energy to us. We’re trying every day to help him.
But ahead of him are two players at the top of their game — Jarrod Bowen and Summerville. He’s patient enough to realise his chance will come.”

Agbonlahor Questions Traoré’s Previous Claims

Meanwhile, former Aston Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor has cast doubt on Traoré’s long-standing assertion that he does not lift weights.

Traoré spent the 2015/16 season at Villa Park, during which time Agbonlahor captained the side. Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, the former striker dismissed the suggestion that his ex-team-mate avoided the gym.

“Oh, 100 per cent. He was at Villa with me — always in the gym,” Agbonlahor said.

Joking with co-host Ally McCoist, he added:

“I didn’t see him in the gym, Ally, but I heard he was always in the gym. I saw him through the windows of the canteen — while I was having my scrambled eggs!”

Despite the light-hearted tone, Agbonlahor suggested Nuno’s decision may be justified.

“The manager’s probably looked at it and said, ‘You’re big and strong enough.’ Is it affecting his speed or his turning?”

Conclusion

While Traoré’s physicality remains one of his defining attributes, Nuno appears determined to ensure the winger’s athletic balance is preserved rather than enhanced further.

With competition fierce in West Ham’s attacking ranks, the Spaniard may need more than muscle to secure a regular starting berth — but his manager insists his opportunity is only a matter of time.