Could one of West Ham United’s biggest weaknesses in the dying embers of the David Moyes era become one of the club’s greatest strengths under Julen Lopetegui?
Only three clubs – the relegated trio of Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town – conceded more than West Ham’s 74 goals in the 2023/24 Premier League season.
Kurt Zouma was a shadow of his once colossal self, Nayef Aguerd’s form dipped alarmingly, while Konstantinos Mavropanos did not come close to justifying his £19 million price-tag.
Fortunately, in Julen Lopetegui, The Hammers have just announced the appointment of a manager who knows how to organise a backline. His Sevilla defence, laying the foundations for that 2020 Europa League triumph, beating Man United and Inter Milan along the way, were among Europe’s very best for a time.
Julen Lopetegui must improve West Ham’s defence
Jules Kounde went on to become a La Liga champion with Barcelona, while Diego Carlos earned himself a big-money move to Aston Villa after a series of totemic performances under Lopetegui.
The Spaniard’s Wolves side kept seven clean sheets after his arrival compared to just two before it during the 2022/23 season, meanwhile, shutting out Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Villa during big wins over each club.
One of Lopetegui’s first tasks in the London Stadium hotseat will revolve around getting far more out of a talented but inconsistent crop of centre-halves in Zouma, Aguerd and his one-time Wolverhampton Wanderers target Mavropanos.
It feels fitting, then, that the first signing of the Lopetegui era looks destined to be a 6ft 4ins centre-half in the same mould as his fellow Brazil international Diego Carlos.
West Ham, per The Guardian, have agreed an initial £12.5 million – rising to £15 million – deal with Flamengo stopper Fabricio Bruno. The 28-year-old’s representative insists that nothing is done just yet – while a fee has been agreed, there are still some i’s to do and t’s to cross – but things certainly appear to be moving in the right direction.
Hammers close in on Brazil ace Fabricio Bruno
“Fabrício and Flamengo received a proposal from West Ham,” one of Bruno’s agents tells Itatiaia. “But there is still no agreement between all parties for a transfer to be completed.”
A Copa Libertadores champion, Bruno earned both of his Brazil caps this year. He featured in March’s 1-0 win over England at Wembley.
“A sequence of events caught our attention. (Bruno is) an important player,” Brazil coach Dorival Junior smiles. “He wasn’t called by chance. He gave a great response.”
Flamengo team-mate Leo Ortiz is understandably disappointed to see Bruno go albeit while backs the former Red Bull Bragantino ace to follow his ‘dream’ in the English Premier League.
“I’m rooting for him,” Ortiz tells Globo Esporte. “(The move) is good for him. It’s a dream for him too.
“He’s already made that clear, he’s already expressed that. We know that dreams sometimes don’t knock on the door twice.”
West Ham, HITC understands, are also keen to bring in another Brazil-based talent in Wesley Gassova. The Corinthians winger is valued at £25 million, though The Hammers‘ initial offer falls well short of that figure.
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