Three teams make contact for Luizao loan as West Ham United set January transfer exit terms
Three Brazilian clubs have asked West Ham United about the possibility of signing Luizao on loan during the January transfer window, according to IG Esporte.
The Brazilian outlet reported on its website on Tuesday (9 January) that Cruzeiro, Botafogo and Bahia have all enquired about the Hammers defender’s availability this month, but the Hammers have no interest in loaning him outside of Europe.
West Ham are open to negotiating over the 21-year-old’s future, whether that be in terms of a loan or a permanent exit. But the Irons are only willing to allow him to temporarily depart the London Stadium if he remains within European football.
Interesting situation
Luizao was signed by West Ham as a free agent in January 2023 but is yet to make a single first-team appearance for the Hammers, instead remaining a regular fixture in the academy sides this season at 21 years old.
David Moyes isn’t spoilt with options at the heart of his defence currently, with Kurt Zouma continuing to struggle with fitness issues this season, Nayef Aguerd away at the African Cup of Nations and Konstantinos Mavropanos picking up a knock against Bristol City.
However, it is quite clear that even with all these recent injuries, Luizao is nowhere near the Scotsman’s first team currently, having even failed to get off of the bench in two Papa John’s Trophy matches against Wycombe and Colchester for the under-21s this season.
Although at 21, Luizao remains young and there is every chance that he could break into the Hammers’ first team in the future, a loan move away from the London Stadium could well be best for all parties as he looks to continue his development.
Hopefully, West Ham can find him a move within Europe before the end of the month, if not they may have to cut ties and allow him to head back to Brazil permanently if the right deal is on offer.
In other West Ham news, Alan Shearer has been blown away by one “devastating” Hammer, naming him in his team of the season so far