West Ham United make recent survey to sign Pablo Maia, Sao Paulo set asking price

Fri 24 February 2023 12:10, UK

West Ham are one of the several Premier League clubs that have shown keen interest in signing Sao Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia, according to Brazilian journalist Alexsander Vieira.

A host of Premier League clubs including Brighton, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal have made “recent surveys” to land the 21-year-old midfielder.

Brazilian media outlet Lance reported on 15 December that the Hammers made a proposal of a loan with an option to buy the young talent, but the deal didn’t materialize.

O São Paulo deve negociar Pablo Maia no meio do ano. Brighton, West Ham, Fulham, Nott. Forest, Arsenal e entre outros do futebol inglês fizeram sondagens recentes. A diretoria tricolor já “avisou” ao mercado que só fará negócio por (R$54 milhões) e essa proposta deve chegar.
— Alexsander (@_alexsander) February 23, 2023

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Alexander, who works for Brazilian media Bolavip, mainly reports on Sao Paulo, and he is a reliable journalist, with over 11k Twitter followers.

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He shares that the Brazilian club are only willing to sell the midfielder permanently for a fixed fee of R$54 milhões, which is equivalent to £8.8m.

“Sao Paulo should negotiate Pablo Maia in the middle of the year. Brighton, West Ham, Fulham, Nott. Forest, Arsenal and among others in English football have taken recent surveys. The tricolor board has already “warned” the market that it will only do business for (R$54 million) and this proposal should arrive,” he wrote on Twitter.

MIdfield situation

The midfield is one area West Ham need to reinforce in the summer.

A major change is expected in that department as Declan Rice is likely to leave the club. The Hammers skipper has shown his commitment and loyalty to the club, but he desires to play in the Champions League, and the club won’t stand in his way.

Any potential suitor will have to pay a massive transfer fee to get him. His departure will leave a massive void in the side, and David Moyes, if he stays, will have to bring in at least two to three quality midfielders to replenish it.

On top of that, Tomas Soucek could also leave the club. He is yet to sign a new contract at the club, and his performances this season suggest that he doesn’t deserve an extension.

In case, West Ham lose both of them, the club will need to make major changes in midfield. But, whether they will move for Maia remains to be seen.