Traore closing in on Deportivo return after West Ham departure
Adama Traore has reached a verbal agreement with Deportivo A Coruna on a free transfer, with final paperwork pending. The 30-year-old winger left West Ham after their relegation, having made 12 appearances for the club. He previously played for Barcelona and has 271 Premier League appearances across several English clubs.
Traore's return to Spanish football marks a full-circle moment for the winger, who developed at Barcelona's La Masia academy before making 21 senior appearances for the Catalan club. His extensive Premier League career spans four English clubs, with his most productive spell coming at Wolverhampton Wanderers under Nuno Espirito Santo, the same coach who later commented on his unusual muscular build at West Ham.
Deportivo, newly promoted from the Segunda Division, have started their La Liga campaign with two draws and will add Traore's pace and dribbling to their attacking options. The move comes after a difficult half-season at West Ham, where he made 12 appearances during the club's relegation campaign and missed the final three matches due to a hamstring injury.
Traore's return to Spain could revitalize his career at a club rebuilding after promotion, potentially extending his professional longevity as he approaches his early thirties. His arrival may boost Deportivo's attacking threat and commercial appeal, while his experience from 271 Premier League appearances could provide valuable leadership for a squad adjusting to top-flight football. For West Ham supporters, his departure closes a brief chapter in a disappointing season, though the free transfer carries minimal financial risk for the Spanish club.