(Credit: Imago and Getty Images)
(Credit: Imago and Getty Images)
Match

David Sullivan's greed has cost West Ham millions as Luizao exit is confirmed 

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Luizao has now officially left West Ham, ending his short stay at the London club.

The Brazilian next played a match for the Hammers’ first team since his move to England in 2023.

Instead, the centre-back was a mainstay in the academy, baring a short loan at Pogon Szczecin in the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign.

Now, West Ham have officially parted ways with Luizao through mutual consent, ending his stay at the London Stadium.

However, this situation could have been completely avoided. 

Graham Potter sitting West Ham
Graham Potter clearly viewed Luizao as surplus to requirements (Credit: Imago)

David Sullivan rejected offers for Luizao last summer

Over the past few months, it had become clear that Luizao was not happy at West Ham.

Luizao launched an attack on West Ham in June, claiming the London club doesn’t like using young players.

Now, the saga has clearly come to an end, with his contract being cancelled.

West Ham had the opportunity to depart with Luizao last summer when Corinthians looked to seal a loan-to-buy deal.

  • Luizao was signed by West Ham in 2023 from Sao Paulo
  • The defender failed to make a single appearance for the Hammers
  • The 23-year-old is now a free agent

However, David Sullivan held out for £4.24million for 70% of the centre-back’s rights when the Brazilian club only wanted to pay £2.54m for the same amount.

Now, it is clear that this is a massive error from the West Ham owner, with the Hammers now losing out on this cash while also having to pay for his wages for an additional season.

Sullivan’s greed has cost the Hammers plenty of times in the past, and the Luizao saga is just another example.

On top of this, if the centre-back would have done well in Brazil, he could have helped West Ham make additional funds in a sell-on clause.

Read more: Two West Ham midfielders worryingly among Premier League worst for crucial metric

West Ham’s Brazilian transfer policy rarely works out 

Now that Luizao is gone, the centre-back is just another Brazilian who has struggled at the London Stadium.

The Hammers have attempted multiple times to sign players from Brazil for bargains, with few ever working. 

The most recent has been Luis Guilherme, who joined West Ham for £19.5m plus add-ons.

However, this has been a common theme throughout the 21st century, with stars such as Wellington Paulista having little to no impact at the London club.

Realistically, Graham Potter needs to ensure this policy changes, as it clearly doesn’t work.

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David Sullivan
Luizao
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