By Sam Stone

25th May, 2023 | 5:10pm

West Ham target Benfica chief Rui Pedro Braz to fill sporting director role

West Ham United are targetting Benfica’s Rui Pedro Braz to fill the soon-to-be vacant sporting director role at the London Stadium, according to 90min.

It’s believed Mark Noble is set to move to take up a different role within the club, with David Sullivan looking to restructure the footballing operation (90min, 24 May).

According to the Daily Mail on 10 February, Pedro Braz is an “academic” talent spotter who uses his MBA in sport management to find solutions to problems.

He was previously wanted by Tottenham Hotspur after Fabio Paratici was banned.

Different

Pedro Braz would certainly be a different option. He’s earned his reputation through a slightly different route and it’s something West Ham could explore. The decision to give Noble the sporting director role was one of sympathy.

Just because he is a club legend doesn’t mean he’s able to make smart footballing decisions when it comes to transfers and the youth set-up.

It’s essential the board make a decision quickly when it comes to the sporting director role. David Moyes will almost certainly remain in charge for the 2023/24 season and he will need support during the summer window.

With Declan Rice set to leave, the Scot could have a fairly significant war chest at his disposal.

If we are being honest, last summer’s additions have flattered to deceive. Gianluca Scamacca has been injured, Lucas Paqueta has only just started performing in a claret and blue shirt, and Nayef Aguerd has had some suspect moments.

The board cannot afford a repeat of the 2022/23 season on the domestic front.