South American football expert Tim Vickery doubts Santos talent Marcos Leonardo would make an impact at West Ham United. The Irons have failed with one offer for his transfer.
That is according to 90min, which reports West Ham explored a loan-to-buy transfer for Leonardo before signing Danny Ings. The Hammers hoped to hire the 19-year-old to add another element to David Moyes’ attack. But Santos opposed his departure this January.
West Ham have invested a significant amount of time scouting South America for up-and-coming talents. Leonardo emerged as one prospect who could make the switch to Europe during the winter market. Yet Santos were not willing to let him leave at this point in time.
Santos believe Leonardo is destined to reach the very top of the game after he enjoyed his breakthrough in 2022. The teenager from Itapetinga has already featured in 123 first-team games. But the forward marked last year by scoring 21 of his 35 career goals in 57 outings.
He also offered six of his seven career assists through 2022 and has already kicked off 2023 with a goal. Leonardo scored on the opening day of the Brazilian Serie A term. But he is yet to net again through three further appearances. He has started in all four for 331 minutes.
Vickery has one big concern with West Ham transfer target Leonardo of Santos
Vickery sees a lot of potential in Leonardo but questions the forward making an impact at West Ham straight after a transfer from Santos. Instead, the forward would be seen more as a player for the future. He also has traits akin to Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero.
“There is a kind of Aguero-type striker there,” Vickery has now told talkSPORT. “He is not particularly tall but comes alive in the penalty box and I think there is talent there, as well.
“He needs to be supplied. I remember seeing him last year – I was really, really looking forward to seeing him but he had an absolute mare. Everything he did outside the box fell to pieces. But I like him a lot inside the penalty box.
“He has got that ability in tight spaces, that kind of Aguero or Romario-type ability. You wonder if he would make an immediate impact at West Ham, I probably doubt it, but he is one for the long haul.”
Leonardo has so far spent his entire career at Santos, where his efforts caught West Ham’s interest for a transfer. He has also been a part of Brazil camps at U16, 17, 18 and 20 levels. But Santos refused to let him to go the 2022 U20 South American Football Championship.
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