Brazilian outlet UOL claim West Ham have made a ‘very good proposal’ to sign Sao Paulo defender Luizao on a free transfer with his contract due to expire at the end of January – but a move is more complicated than it looks.
Luizao, 20, has broken into the Sao Paulo side in the middle of the defence over the last six months. But the talented youngster has not signed a new deal with the Brazilian giants, and a move to Europe looks inevitable for the defender.
West Ham have made an offer, deemed ‘very good’. The report says a move is ‘about to materialise’. But Luizao is making things complicated – he wants the side that oversaw his development to receive some cash for his signature.
Sao Paulo could do so by organising a new deal for Luizao, forcing West Ham to pay. But that is likely to deter West Ham. So, a compensation fee agreed between the parties may be the only solution to find an amicable agreement.
West Ham have made very good proposal to sign Luizao
Landing Luizao on a free is an impressive bit of business – but a transfer that is not particularly West Ham-like. Perhaps, looking at the success of London rivals Arsenal might have convinced the Hammers to try the Brazilian market.
Arsenal have brought in a number of players from Brazil, with sporting director Edu in charge. Gabriel Martinelli is a superstar, a real gem – bought for £6million from Ituano. Marquinhos looks a real talent, bought from Luizao’s side.
Mark Noble is due to come in from January as the club’s transfer chief. If he is the man behind the push to scour the South American market for new and unearthed talent, then it is a bold move. But Arsenal have shown that it works.
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