West Ham are keeping a close eye on Kaio Jorge, one of the standout players in Brazilian football this season, according to a report from Globo journalist [**Pedro Rocha**](https://x.com/novaesrocha1/status/1968338174532600161) and later confirmed and detailed by [**RTI Esporte**](https://rtiesporte.com.br/west-ham-monitora-kaio-jorge-do-cruzeiro-saiba-detalhes/).
The Premier League club made enquiries about the striker’s situation at Cruzeiro towards the end of the last transfer window and even indicated a willingness to pay €25m (£21.4m) for his signing.
It was only a matter of time before European clubs turned their attention back to Kaio Jorge. The 23-year-old striker has been enjoying a spectacular campaign with Cruzeiro – 15 goals and five assists in 22 appearances – and has firmly established himself as a central figure in the country.
Despite West Ham’s strong and concrete interest, Cruzeiro are not inclined to negotiate a deal ahead of a future window, with the club still fighting for the league title and already through to the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil. The board believes that selling now could derail those ambitions.
Cruzeiro also feel that Kaio Jorge’s market value may increase further as the season progresses. The striker is currently the top scorer in both the Brasileirão and the Copa do Brasil, and his goalscoring form continues to push his stock higher.
His recent call-up by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil, where he made an appearance against Chile at the Maracanã, has only added to his reputation.
From the English perspective, West Ham view Kaio Jorge as an opportunity to strengthen their attacking options with a young forward whose physicality and finishing ability appear well suited to the demands of the Premier League.
Also, this is not Kaio Jorge’s first link with European football, as highlighted by RTI Esporte. A Santos academy product, he was sold to Juventus in 2021 but struggled to make an impact, failing to score in 11 appearances. A subsequent loan spell at Frosinone produced three goals and one assist in 22 matches, but he never truly settled in Italy.
Returning to Brazil has revitalised his career. Cruzeiro invested a little over €5m (£4.3m) to bring him in, and his contract runs until the end of 2029. That long-term deal gives the club control over his next move, with confidence that his value can rise further.
For now, though, the Hammers must wait, but the possibility of a winter transfer remains.