News today of growing momentum for Lucas Paquetá’s hopes to return to Flamengo, as covered earlier. West Ham apparently would rather sell the player to competitors Botofago as part of a part exchange deal with striker Igor Jesus coming to London Stadium as part of the deal.
An exciting addition to West Ham’s front line? r another donkey? I wasn’t sure. Compared with Yuri Alberto – about whom I’d learned a great deal in the last few weeks – Igor Jesus was an unknown quantity.
So, research time. A footballinsider247 report from last month shed light on the striker. Apparently :”The 23-year-old scored 25 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions last season for Botafogo but is under contract with the Brazilian side until 2027.”
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A right footed centre – forward, not the tallest at 1 metre 79 so not of the Peter Crouch style. According to breakingthelines.com, : “Igor Jesus’ playing style showcases his ability to combine physicality with technical skills as a centre-forward, with his high work rate and awareness blending well to make him influential both in and out of possession. “
Now I’m interested. He spent three years in the Saudi leagues before returning too Brazil: therefore he’s not one of those who has never played in foreign leagues who might find it ‘difficult to settle’ outside his own country.
“He likes to play off the shoulder of his marker, that is, he moves in order to “deceive” whoever is marking him to unmark himself and receive the ball in good conditions to score the goal or get an assist.”
Young, fast, free-scoring. Now I can see why West Ham are linked with him. (Not sure about that goal celebration, pictured, though).
January is not far away so we will find out soon enough whether this story has ‘legs’.