Tim Steidten reportedly spent much of the early summer last year jetting back and forth across the Atlantic to Brazil building his network. I believe I even reported on the identity of his local ‘inside’ source on the ground aiding him in dealing with top clubs. The Hammers have both Luis Guilherme and Lucas Paquetá – for now at least – as first team regulars.
Defender Luisao has never made the big time at West Ham and has been deemed surplus to requirements – currently finishing a loan spell at Polish side Pogoń Szczecin, the centre-back hasn’t made an impact on Graham Potter and West Ham are seeing a way out. Reported just today in sportwitness.co.uk, they believe they may have found one.
According to the report, the Hammers’ long standing interest in Brazil’s leading goalscorer from last season – Yuri Alberto – has taken another twist as the Irons appear to be offering up Luizao in part payment from the Corinthians’ frontman:
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“West Ham have a new strategy to try and sign the Brazil international in the upcoming window. Nicola [ the Brazilian journalist responsible for the story] claims the Hammers have decided to offer money plus Luizão in exchange for their long-term target.”
Brazilian target Yuri Alberto – will the Hammers eventually land their man?
West Ham’s first attempt some two years ago involved a rejected bid of £13 million if memory serves me right: He’ll certainly be nearer to £20 million now if Corinthians are to let their record breaking striker leave. With, or without Luisao as a ‘deal sweetener’: One to watch.