Nuno Espírito Santo is wasting no time in planning for a major summer overhaul at the London Stadium. According to reports, West Ham have placed Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels at the top of their list for a potential summer move, provided they retain their Premier League status.
The link is no coincidence. Sels was the undisputed #1 for Nuno during their time together at the City Ground, where the Belgian’s standout performances earned him the 2025 Premier League Golden Glove after keeping 13 clean sheets.
The Relegation Factor
The deal hinges heavily on how the current relegation battle concludes. West Ham and Nottingham Forest are currently locked in a desperate fight for survival, separated only by goal difference at the bottom of the table.
If Forest drop to the Championship, Sels—who has clear international aspirations with Belgium—is expected to seek a move to stay in a top European league. For Nuno, Sels represents a "trusted lieutenant" who fits his defensive system perfectly.
Matz Sels: 2025/26 Season at a Glance
Appearances: 28
Clean Sheets: 5
Saves: 64
Experience: Champions League, Ligue 1, and Premier League.
Clearing Space in East London
A move for Sels would signal the end of an era for West Ham’s current goalkeeping department. With Łukasz Fabiański’s contract set to expire in June and Alphonse Areola reportedly frustrated with his role as a cup keeper, the path is clearing for a new #1.
While Mads Hermansen has started the last five league games, the arrival of a veteran like Sels would provide the stability Nuno craves as he looks to transform West Ham from relegation candidates into European contenders once again.
The Verdict: A Safe Pair of Hands
Matz Sels isn’t a "flashy" signing, but he is a proven Premier League performer who knows exactly what Nuno expects. If the price is right—and Forest’s situation forces their hand—this could be one of the smartest pieces of business West Ham do this summer.