Morato joined West Ham on loan from Nottingham Forest on deadline day, with the move officially announced as a straight season-long loan.

However, Hammers News exclusively revealed that the deal involved a hefty loan fee which will be deducted from an agreed permanent transfer should West Ham secure promotion and take up their private agreement to sign him.

That makes the Hammers’ Championship campaign particularly important for the 25-year-old, who appears determined to make his second spell working with Nuno a success.

Morato has glowing words for Nottingham Forest

Speaking to West Ham’s official website, Morato was full of praise for Forest and the project he was part of before moving to east London.

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Tomas Soucek of West Ham United celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's fifth goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Lincoln City and West Ham United at the Gelder Group Sincil Bank Stadium in Lincoln, on October 14, 2026.

“It was a brilliant project. And the Premier League obviously presents us international players with even bigger challenges,” he said.

Morato enjoyed a memorable spell at Forest, helping the club secure European qualification before playing an important role in their run to the Europa League semi-finals last season.

He also earned a place in the competition’s Team of the Tournament, underlining how highly regarded his performances were.

There is clearly no bitterness towards his former employers, despite the mixed reaction to his departure among Forest supporters and some criticism of his performances towards the end of his time there.

But Morato’s comments also made clear that he sees his move to West Ham as an important opportunity rather than a step backwards.

Morato worked with Nuno at Forest and believes the manager played an important role in his development after arriving in England.

Nuno reunion was key to West Ham move

“Nuno was the first manager I had when I arrived in England,” he explained.

The defender also revealed how straightforward their conversation was before he joined West Ham.

“He said he was counting on me, and I said I wanted to work with him again. It’s been good so far, and I’m going to do my very best to ensure that, without a doubt, we make a success of it.”

That relationship was an important factor behind the move, with Nuno keen to bring in a player he already knew and trusted.

Morato also made clear that joining West Ham was never a difficult decision, despite the club’s relegation.

“I think this is a great club that unfortunately went through a difficult time in terms of the relegation from the Premier League,” he said.

“I think the team has got everything it takes to make an immediate return to the Premier League.”

That ambition is particularly significant given the agreement Hammers News previously revealed.

West Ham have effectively structured the move around promotion, with the expensive loan fee counting towards a permanent transfer if they return to the top flight. Failure to secure promotion would leave the club with a costly temporary arrangement instead.

Morato has also shown considerable versatility since arriving, operating at left-back despite being a centre-back by trade.

His lack of attacking contribution from the left has attracted some questions during West Ham’s less convincing performances, but his flexibility remains valuable to the manager. Indeed he was hooked at half-time of the defeat to Southampton last weekend.

Ultimately, Morato’s future in east London is intrinsically linked to West Ham’s promotion campaign. His latest comments suggest he is fully committed to making the move work, and the Hammers will hope his reunion with Nuno ends with a permanent transfer as that will mean West Ham are back in the big time.