Sao Paulo look to replace Pablo Maia as West Ham United seek deal for midfielder
Sau Paulo are looking to replace midfielder Pablo Maia with West Ham United seeking to make a deal for the maestro, according to UOL.
The report claims that the midfielder was the subject of interest from Fulham in October with the Brazilian club rejecting an offer of €7.5m (£6.5m) for the 20-year-old.
UOL confessed that West Ham United have “contacted” Maia and Sau Paulo over a possible switch for the midfielder alongside Premier League rivals Southampton.
“São Paulo is preparing for a possible loss of Pablo Maia. The tricolor defensive midfielder, who left this year’s São Paulo Cup for the absolute title in the team’s midfield, has already been targeted by Fulham, from England,” as quoted by UOL.
“In October, the São Paulo club rejected an offer of 7.5 million euros (R$ 39.1 million at the time).
“In addition, West Ham and Southampton, also from England, have already contacted to probe Pablo Maia’s situation.”
Moving mad.
Moving mad in the transfer window seems to be the new trait of West Ham United and it’s enjoyable to see the club making moves for two Brazilians with extremely high ceilings.
The Hammer completed the signing of Sau Paulo defender Luizao on December 18 and now looks to be moving for another one of their prized assets.
Maia, in particular, is an exciting prospect and has proved himself to be a vital cog within Sau Paulo’s experienced squad at only 20 years old.
And the Brazilian could in fact be being eyed up to replace West Ham United captain Declan Rice, whose departure from the London Stadium seems inevitable at this point.
If this is the reasoning behind signing the Brazilian maestro, getting him involved and settled at the London Stadium sooner rather than later is an absolute must.
Maia could be a very shrewd bit of business and speaks volumes about the club’s current scouting network, long may these uncovered Brazilian gem signings continue.