West Ham United are targeting a star in Brazil ahead of this summer.placeholder image
West Ham United are targeting a star in Brazil ahead of this summer. | AFP via Getty Images
West Ham United have seen the asking price for a summer target increase
West Ham United are aiming to stay in the Premier League this season and much of their transfer business over the summer will depend on whether they have retained their status as a top-flight club.
The Hammers remain sat in the bottom three with 25 points from 27 matches, just two points from safety with Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur sat dangerously close to the dotted line, and the relegation battle far from over.
West Ham have seen another summer target emerge – but might need to pay more for him than they previously had hoped.
West Ham target sees price hike after rival interest
According to reports by Sport Witness, West Ham might be set to face difficulties in their pursuit of Evertton Araujo, as their valuation of the Flamengo midfielder is thought to be ‘outdated’ amidst rival interest elsewhere.
The 22-year-old is thought to be under ‘close observation’ on the Hammers’ list of targets and they were hoping to pay around €12m (£10.2m) for his services. However, reports from Brazil state that an unnamed German club are ‘preparing a move’ worth €20m (£17.4m) to throw a spanner in the works.
While the identity of the club is not revealed, reporting from Sport Witness continues that Bayer Leverkusen sent scouts to watch the Brazilian last year. The rival interest puts West Ham in an uncompromising position, as they must either add a significant amount to their transfer valuation or be prepared to leave the race for Evertton’s signature. Reporting that Flamengo are attempting to negotiate a new contract with the player only looks likely to raise this valuation further.
Would Evertton be worth the investment?
Many top Premier League stars have been signed from Brazil in recent years and Evertton looks like he could be the next on this conveyor belt. The potential of the player is clear to the West Ham hierarchy, though he does not have experience outside of Brazil under his belt as of yet.
This makes the hike in price risky – but, ultimately, a player is worth what a club is willing to pay for him. If reports are true that a German side are set to come in with a £17.4m bid, it is West Ham’s decision whether to stay in the race by matching this.
Coaches inside Flamengo are said to appreciate the improvements which Evertton has made in recent months, and his ability to both shield the defence while impacting the game further forward from midfield. But his primary role is as a defensive midfielder, and he spoke in an interview with Coluna do Fla in 2025 about some of his inspirations in the position – if his career pans out to be anything like theirs, he will be well worth the early investment.
"I always saw [Sergio] Busquets play,” said Evertton. “Very intelligent, with a lot of tactics. But I have always been very inspired by João Gomes. He played a lot here. And by Erick [Pulgar of Flamengo, formerly of Bologna and Fiorentina] too.”
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