Adama Traore has been instructed to stop lifting weights at West Ham’s training ground after manager Nuno Espirito Santo insisted the winger already “carries enough weight”.
Traore’s powerful physique has long been a talking point in English football. The 30-year-old, who has made 266 Premier League appearances, is widely regarded as one of the most physically imposing wide players in the game. However, Nuno believes additional gym work is unnecessary.
Speaking before Wednesday’s league trip to Fulham, the West Ham boss said Traore’s muscular build is largely genetic and warned that further strength training could be counterproductive.
“It’s incredible, it’s genetics,” Nuno said. “But 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.”
The comments followed a social media video posted by team-mate Crysencio Summerville, showing Traore bench-pressing 145kg at the club’s Rush Green training base. Despite the impressive lift, Nuno clarified that the Spaniard will only carry out preventative and recovery-based gym sessions moving forward.
“He’ll do prevention work in the gym, but he’s not in there lifting weights,” Nuno added.
Adapting to New Surroundings
Traore joined West Ham in January from Fulham in a deal worth up to £2m, having made 20 appearances across all competitions for the Cottagers earlier this season. Since his move, he has featured sparingly in the Premier League, making four substitute appearances and one start in the FA Cup fourth-round victory over Burton Albion.
Nuno, who previously coached Traore during his time at Wolves, insists patience is required as the winger adjusts to the team’s tactical demands. West Ham remain locked in a battle for Premier League survival, increasing the pressure for immediate impact.
“Traore’s unique,” Nuno said. “There are not many players in world football with his ability, pace and skills in one-v-one situations. He’s a talent that we have to take advantage of, but it will take time.”
The manager contrasted Traore’s physique with that of Under-21 defender Airidas Golambeckis, who, he revealed, spends hours in the gym to build muscle mass. “He’s the one that needs some muscle, it’s the other way around,” Nuno explained.
While Traore’s explosive pace and strength remain key assets, Nuno’s message is clear: refinement and tactical adaptation, rather than added bulk, are the priority as West Ham push to secure their top-flight status.
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