West Ham United on verge of announcing Luizao signing – ExWHUemployee
West Ham are on the verge of announcing the signing of Brazilian defender Luizao, according to ExWHUemployee.
The reliable Hammers source wrote on the West Ham Way Patreon (18 December) that the Hammers have completed the deal, and that it will be announced today.
The defender is expected to sign a three-year deal with the club, with an option to renew for a further two, as reported by UOL [17 December].
“West Ham are pleased to confirm that the signing of Brazilian defender Luizao (20) is now completed and will be announced by the club this afternoon,” as reported by Ex on The West Ham Way.
“We have been reporting the deal since November and have confirmed that the player will initially start as an academy player with a view to moving onto the first team in the near future.”
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Luizao is an exceptional young talent and West Ham did really well to get his signature quickly.
As Ex reported, the 20-year-old will start as an academy player, and from there he will make the gradual step to the senior team.
The deal makes a lot of sense as Luizao has the potential to be a top-class player in the future. With Angelo Ogbonna all set to leave next summer after his contract expires, Luizao can seamlessly replace him in the senior side, if he makes gradual progress.
What will be interesting to see is how quickly he adjusts to the physicality and pace in the English top flight. The Hammers definitely needed to bolster their defensive ranks, and it looks like a smart choice to bring in young talents rather than going after experienced players in the market.
Craig Dawson is another defender who could leave the club in January or next summer as he wants to stay close to his family.
The Hammers are also looking to add a new right-back to their ranks, and they are reportedly eyeing a move for Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka [Manchester Evening News] on loan.