Globo Esporte claim West Ham are in talks with the agent of RB Brangantino captain Leo Ortiz over an £8million move. The player himself has also commented, saying he is “very happy” to be linked with a move.
Ortiz, 26, has been a regular in the Brazil squad of late and is open to a move in order to cement his place in his country’s squad for the 2022 World Cup. He has spent three and a half years at Brangantino.
Captaining the side, their no.3 has clocked up 147 appearances for the top-tier side. But the Brazilian outfit are open to selling him for £8million. West Ham are certainly in the market for a central defender.
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He has since spoken to Globo about a move to West Ham – claiming the interest makes him “very happy”. He is excited by a possible move to the Premier League, and to play for the Europa League semi-finalists.
“West Ham are a club that plays in the best league in the world, which is the Premier League. Reached the Europa League semi-finals. I was very happy for the interest of these clubs,” Ortiz told GE.
West Ham in talks for £8m Ortiz: Move makes sense
West Ham need a defender. Issa Diop is likely to go this summer with his contract ending in 2023, while Angelo Ogbonna is well into his thirties and there are doubts given his long-term injury in 2021-22.
David Moyes’ side will be in Europe again this season – lacking depth last term. While they starred in the Europa League, they struggled at times in the Premier League – hence their qualification only for the Conference League.
At just £8million, Ortiz is a bargain given he is in and around the Brazil squad. A move to West Ham might not see him start regularly, but he would get plenty of game time given the Conference League.
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