Brazilian wonderkid Luizao rejects West Ham United January approach
West Ham have seen their pre-contract agreement with Sao Paulo centre-back Luizao rejected, according to Brazilian outlet Lance.
David Moyes already has one eye on the January transfer window and any possible reinforcements who could improve the current West Ham squad.
One of West Ham’s reported targets is 20-year-old Luizao, who will become a free agent in January when his current Sao Paulo contract ends.
However, Brazilian outlet Lance have reported that Luizao has turned down West Ham’s initial proposal, with the defender demanding that the Hammers provide more financial compensation to Sao Paulo out of respect for the club that helped him progress.
The report also suggests that Benfica, Sporting, Porto, Fulham, Juventus and the Red Bull group are all interested in Luizao this winter, but that West Ham are the only club to provide a concrete proposal.
Decision to be made
West Ham are now at a crossroads following Luizao’s rejection. Either the Hammers accept the terms and pay Sao Paulo or give up on their pursuit of him.
Of course, it’s entirely understandable why the Hammers are unwilling to pay Sao Paulo any fee considering Luizao will be a free agent in January once his deal has expired.
It’s commendable that Luizao wants his childhood club to be rewarded for their trust in him, but that’s not of West Ham’s concern and is an obvious stumbling block in negotiations.
If the defender continues to insist that compensation is paid then West Ham have every right to back out of the deal and look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.
It obviously comes down to how much Luizao is demanding in his contract negotiations, but if it’s enough for West Ham to think twice then the Hammers may be better off walking away from the deal.