West Ham United told what to expect from ‘outstanding’ midfielder after £20 million deal

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West Ham United have been told they are set to receive an ‘outstanding’ midfielder this summer who could make all the difference to the club.

After David Moyes, who won the Europa Conference League with West Ham United back in 2023, departed the Hammers this summer, former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui was the man chosen to replace the Scotsman.

Recruitment was always set to be a vital part of the Hammers’ much needed improvement and with the sporting director Tim Steidten set to play a key role.

The club have already pulled off the signing of Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras this summer, as well as the addition of Wes Foderingham.

West Ham look to South American market for signings

The Hammers looked to have ended their interest in defensive midfielder Guilherme after Palmeiras demanded £30 million for the sale of the teenage talent.

However, over that same weekend, the Hammers rekindles their interest in the midfielder and eventually got the deal over the line for £20 million.

The club were seemingly very pleased with this signing when they officially confirmed his arrival to East London in a statement last month.

It appears that the Hammers have been aiming their recruitment strategy towards South America after they also saw an offer for 28-year-old defender Fabrice Bruno rejected.

Former defender reveals key role he played in Hammers deal

Despite it looking like the same fate would befall the club’s chance of landing Guilherme, Steidten is understood to have played a key role to getting the deal over the line.

Another man who played a key role in the signing was Brazilian defender Naldo, who spoke to PL Brasil about the influence he had on the deal.

“Luis Guilherme has been outstanding for some time and has attracted interest from several clubs. I got in touch with Nick Arcuri (Luis Guilherme’s manager), we started to draw up the negotiation and in the end it was good for both clubs,” said Naldo.

It’s not just Guilherme who Naldo reportedly played a key role in but the Hammers tried to sign Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto after a suggestion from the defender but the East London side failed to close a deal.

The Hammers have pivoted their strategy to targeting the South American market this summer and, based on the quality of players to come from that region, this may well be a smart choice.