Léo Ortiz ‘very happy’ with interest from West Ham United
RB Bragantino centre-back Léo Ortiz has revealed that he is “very happy” to have West Ham United interested in acquiring his services.
The Hammers have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old in the summer transfer window in order to strengthen the defensive unit.
Globo Esporte reported on Wednesday [8 June] that the Irons were in contact with a representative of the player over a deal expected to be worth around €10million, and the Brazilian has opened up on the potential move.
Ortiz, while talking to Globo Esporte, revealed that he is flattered to be receiving interest from some of the big European clubs.
He said: “I welcome (the interest of European clubs). It is always very good for the athlete to be valued in this way, with the interest of European clubs.
“West Ham is a club that plays in the best league in the world, which is the Premier League. Reached the Europa League semifinals. I was very happy for the interest of these clubs.
“I think it’s important for me, I think maybe I’m ready to reach the European market, I’ve matured a lot. But as I always say: I’m very happy here. It’s a place I play regularly, I’ve been performing well in recent years.”
Ortiz’s performances for Bragantino have surely raised eyebrows within the football community in the recent past.
If West Ham get him this summer, he is very likely to start for David Moyes in almost every competition.
As West Ham are playing in Europe again next season, they would need the leadership of the Porto Alegre-born player to guide them in tough moments.
The 26-year-old has got a huge fan-following in Brazil despite only being called up for the national team for the first time this summer, but he is surely in contention of cementing his spot in the World Cup 2022 squad.
In 2022 so far, Ortiz has played 24 games across all competitions, scoring one goal and making two assists [Transfermarkt]
Most importantly, he has only collected three yellow cards during the period, showing that he is someone who can be relied upon when facing tougher opposition.
Manager Moyes will be hoping that the deal will be completed as soon as possible so that the player will join the squad ahead of the pre-season.
In other West Ham news, we could now have a free run at signing Alphonse Areola permanently as this Premier League club have found a free alternative.
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