Not all transfers are created equal, as the similarities and stark differences between an ill-fated West Ham United deal and an inspired piece of business from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest shows.
In the space of just eight months, Forest and the Hammers completed two deals which, for obvious reasons, had a lot in common.
Nottingham Forest brought a promising young Brazilian defender by the name of Murillo to the City Ground back in August 2023.
Two years on, if Nuno Espirito Santo was to cash in on Murillo today amid reported interest from Real Madrid, well, let’s just say the Spanish giants would not get much change out of £70 million.
If any, that is.
West Ham United, in contrast, have next to no chance of making any sort of a profit themselves. Because while Murillo has blossomed into one of the most impressive, most complete central defenders in Europe, Luizao’s long wait for a Premier League debut goes on.
No wonder Luizao appears keen to leave West Ham this summer. Two-and-a-half years and zero first-team minutes after his £4 million arrival from Sao Paulo.
Luizao during Newport County v West Ham United U21 - Brazilian defender Luizao in action in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy
Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
Former Sao Paulo ace Luizao opens up on West Ham United move
Speaking last month, the forgotten man of the London Stadium opened up on his future plans.
Luizao has no regrets about seizing such an opportunity, even if things have clearly not worked out for him like they have for Murillo at Forest.
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But, admitting that he and his representatives are open to both temporary and permanent offers, Luizao appears destined to leave English football without ever featuring in a Premier League match.
In conversation with Lance, meanwhile, the now-23-year-old centre-back is refusing to rule a return to Brazil, even if the bridge back to Sao Paulo is yet to be rebuilt.
Luizao knew at the time that many would ‘judge’ the nature of his departure, having been reluctant to sign a long-term contract in favour of a new challenge in Europe.
“Regarding Sao Paulo, there is a lot of respect. But things happened within the club that really upset me,” Luizao explains. “I also know that my departure hurt the fans.
“As for Brazil, yes, I want to [come back]. I’m open to possibilities. It’s my country, I miss it sometimes, but I’m also a guy who has the greatest intention of playing, regardless of where it is.”
Luizao explains Poland loan spell and opens up on future ambitions
Luizao moved to Poland in January in pursuit of some much-needed game time. The eternal West Ham reserve made a good impression at Pogon Szczecin too, though a longer stay always seemed impossible due to the finances involved.
“It was important to re-emerge on the scene. When I arrived at Pogon, I had to adapt, but it didn’t take long,” explains Luizao, who started the final four matches of the Polish Ekstraklasa season.
“I had some internal problems at the beginning but I managed to finish the season as a starter.
“I want to prove my worth, show that I can perform at a high level. Before leaving Brazil, I was on the rise. Today, I feel like a better player than I was three years ago. More mature, more experienced.
“My goal is to be recognised again in sports.”
West Ham reportedly rejected Corinthians’ bid of £2.5 million last summer.
The Brazilian giants then turned to Memphis Depay, putting all their focus on the veteran Dutch forward while Luizao was consigned to another few months with West Ham’s second-string.