When Adama Traore was Banned from "Going to the Gym"

His build is athletic. On the pitch, his explosive power is one of his strengths. That's Adama Traore, a player currently playing for West Ham United who was banned from gym training because he was already quite muscular.

Before the 2-5 defeat to Liverpool last week, West Ham United striker Crysencio Summerville posted a video on social media showing Traore sitting on a bench in the weight training area. Traore denied participating in the training, something that Nuno Espirit Santo hopes is not true.

Nuno Espirito Santo, the Manager of West Ham, has indeed prohibited his players from lifting weights at the West Ham United training ground in Rush Green. According to Nuno, Traore's natural genetics and physical profile already provide everything he needs to compete at the highest level.

"His muscles are incredible, it's genetics. I've told him to stay away from the gym. That's one of the things I think he needs to be aware of," Nuno said at a press conference before the match against Fulham on Monday (March 2, 2026).

The decision to ban Traore from gym training was clearly not a disciplinary measure but a tactical one. His speed, strength, and one-on-one ability are rare qualities. However, the manager believes the next step in Traore's development isn't about lifting heavier weights.

Gaining more muscle can negatively impact one of Traore's greatest assets, which is his speed. Instead of focusing on increasing strength, the emphasis is on preventive work and maintaining balance to avoid injuries. This is done while refining tactical understanding and ensuring physical endurance.

This approach differs for other players in the squad. Young defender Airidas Golambeckis, for example, is encouraged to spend extra time in the weight training facility to build strength and increase body weight. The development plans for each player are tailored individually.

Traore has long been recognized for his distinctive physical appearance. During his tenure at Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Spanish player became known for applying baby oil to his arms to make it more difficult for defenders to hold him back. This image has become a symbol of his unique playing style.

Traore joined West Ham from Fulham on a permanent contract during the January transfer window. His presence at West Ham allows the 30-year-old winger to reunite with Nuno, as they previously collaborated in 2018 and 2021 at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"He is a talented player that we need to utilize, but it takes time. He must adapt. He needs to understand many things within the dynamics of the team," said Nuno.

"He has brought new energy to us. We have been trying every day to support him. But of course, in front of him, there are two players at the peak of their performance (team captain, Jarrod), Bowen and Summerville. Traore is quite patient to realize that his opportunity will come," he added.

Since joining West Ham, Traore has had limited opportunities to play in the English Premier League, appearing in only 15 matches. Moreover, he has never started a match from the kickoff.

The only appearance of Traore as a starting player was in the extra-time victory of the fourth round of the FA Cup against League One team, Burton Albion. The integration of the player who won the Copa del Rey in 2014-2015 with Barcelona into Nuno's tactical system is still in progress.

Nevertheless, Nuno is confident that Traore's quality will assist West Ham by providing a different option in the attacking area. Moreover, during their previous collaboration, Traore helped the Wolves finish seventh in the Premier League twice and reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League in the 2019-2020 season.

Traore arrived at West Ham with significant motivation. The graduate of Barcelona's La Masia academy considers the decision to join West Ham as a challenge that he will undertake with his best efforts.