Wolves target arrives in England but he’s set to join West Ham instead

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West Ham United have beaten Premier League rivals Fulham and Wolves to the signature of Sao Paulo defender Luizao with the youngster touching down in England earlier this week, according to 90Min. 

Only a couple of months ago, Wolverhampton Wanderers saw another of Brazil’s most exciting up-and-coming talents slip through their fingers. The men from Molineux thought they had agreed a pre-contract with Luizao’s former Sao Paulo team-mate Marquinhos. 

Plans to loan the winger out to Swiss football went down like the proverbial lead balloon, however; Marquinhos instead forcing through a £3 million deal to top-flight rivals Arsenal amid suggestions of ‘legal action’ from the Black Country outfit.

Now, history may be about to repeat itself. Albeit in less dramatic circumstances. 

West Ham United beat Fulham and Wolves to Sao Paulo defender Luizao

Luizao, 90Min say, was a target for both Wolves and Fulham. The 20-year-old centre-back has chosen West Ham over a number of rival offers, however, with the Londoners also fighting off competition from Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Porto, Juventus and clubs under the Red Bull umbrella. 

Luizao’s Sao Paulo contract expires next month. And, after arriving in England for a medical on Monday, Luizao is expected to sign a three-and-a-half year deal. One that should keep him at West Ham until the summer of 2026. 

The left-footed, 6ft 1ins Luizao is likely to play a backseat role initially at West Ham, potentially with the odd opportunity coming his way in the FA Cup or UEFA Conference League. He featured 14 times for Sao Paulo during his breakthrough season in the 2022 Brazilian Serie A campaign.

“There must be players who leave. Probably six, seven, or eight players will leave. Luizao is very likely to leave,” sighs Sao Paulo coach Rogerio Ceni. “Not that the club wants it, but (he will leave) because of the player’s desire.   

“The contract is expiring in January. We will have some departures and changes. It’s part of (football). It’s a painful process.”

Things could still go from bad to worse too. West Ham are also keen on Luizao’s fellow Tricolor starlet Pablo Maia; an aggressive, all-action central midfielder. Fulham have had a bid of £6.5 million rejected for Maia already this autumn.