West Ham United has barred forward Adama Traoré from using the club’s weight training facilities, a decision that has raised eyebrows within the Premier League.
The 30-year-old Spanish international, who joined the Hammers from Fulham in January 2026, is understood to have been informed of the restriction by coaching staff. While the club has not publicly disclosed the reasoning behind the ban, sources indicate it stems from concerns about Traoré’s physique and its potential impact on his performance and injury risk.
Traoré previously played under West Ham’s current Head Coach, Nuno Espírito Santo, during their time together at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He joined West Ham for an undisclosed fee, reuniting with Nuno and has made four appearances for the club as of February 28, 2026, according to Premier League statistics.
The decision is unusual, as strength and conditioning is a standard component of professional football training regimes. However, Traoré is known for his exceptional speed and dribbling ability, attributes often associated with a leaner physique. His playing style relies heavily on explosive acceleration and agility, and some within the club reportedly believe that excessive muscle bulk could hinder those qualities.
Prior to joining West Ham, Traoré had a varied career, including spells at Barcelona, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, and a loan return to Barcelona. He spent four seasons with Wolverhampton Wanderers, making 157 appearances and scoring 10 goals. He then moved to Fulham in 2024, where he played 68 games and scored four goals before his transfer to the London Stadium.
West Ham United declined to comment on the specifics of the training restriction when contacted. A club spokesperson stated only that all training programs are individualized and designed to optimize player performance.
As of March 3, 2026, Adama Traoré continues to train with the West Ham squad, but is reportedly working on alternative conditioning methods under the supervision of the club’s fitness coaches.
