West Ham are reportedly closing in on a remarkable deal to strengthen Graham Potter’s midfield, according to breaking news from the La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Hammers are said to be in advanced talks with Juventus over a move for former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, and negotiations appear to be nearing completion.
The proposed agreement would see West Ham pay a €10 million loan fee, with an obligation to buy for €25–30 million—a structure that would help the club given current cash-flow problems which have blighted our transfer window.
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If true, this would be an incredible and surprising coup for the Hammers. Luiz, 27, is no stranger to the Premier League, having previously played for Manchester City and Aston Villa. The Brazilian only left Villa this summer due to the club’s need to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
A player of Luiz’s quality would instantly upgrade West Ham’s midfield options, and one would assume he would slot straight into Graham Potter’s first team.
However, West Ham aren’t alone in the race. Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are also reportedly interested in Luiz, which means the Hammers will need to get a wriggle-on to seal the deal.
If West Ham can get this over the line, it would be one of the most impressive bits of business the club has done in a while—adding real quality to a midfield that’s been crying out for balance and control.