West Ham could reignite their interest in signing Lucas Paqueta’s Flamengo teammate, Leo Pereira, this summer.
The Hammers were keen to sign Pereira in January before Axel Disasi joined on loan from Chelsea.
West Ham could not complete a deal for the central defender then, but it might be easier in the next window.
Carlo Ancelotti’s latest decision has opened the door for Pereira to demand a move away from Flamengo.
Agree or disagree? West Ham SHOULD NOT buy Axel Disasi this summer 💭
Brazil international Leo Pereira would be a MUCH BETTER signing…
West Ham United's Axel Disasi during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United Leo Pereira centre-back of Flamengo and Brazil during FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 Final match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Flamengo
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
West Ham could take advantage of Leo Pereira’s Brazil call-up
Even though Flamengo are keen to keep Leo Pereira, they have not shown any urgency in signing him to a new contract.
Pereira’s deal expires in 2027, and he feels like he deserves improved terms after his impressive recent performances.
However, negotiations have stalled because Flamengo are more focused on players whose contracts expire this year.
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O Globo is now reporting that Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to call up Pereira to the Brazilian national team could change things.
Leo Pereira prior to Flamengo's FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final 2025 game against PSG.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Brazilian newspaper wrote that the 30-year-old’s selection has strengthened his position in contract talks with Flamengo.
This could create an opportunity for West Ham to take advantage of the situation by turning Pereira’s head.
The money available to players in Brazilian football pales in comparison to the Premier League — assuming the Hammers stay up.
Pereira would be a fascinating alternative to Axel Disasi, who many expect to join West Ham permanently in the summer.
While he is not Premier League-proven, Pereira is certainly more comfortable on the ball and excels at progressing play.
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