Fabrizio Romano: West Ham United seal transfer to sign Fabricio Bruno from Flamengo
West Ham United have agreed a deal with Flamengo to sign defender Fabricio Bruno, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Writing on his personal X account (28 May), the reliable journalist reports that there is a verbal agreement in place between the two clubs for the 28-year-old centre-back.
West Ham will pay £10.2million in fixed fees plus a further £1.28million in add-ons for the defender, who will become the first signing of the Julen Lopetegui era this summer.
West Ham make a strong start to the summer window
The Hammers know they are set for a busy summer period with a host of exits and incoming expected to take place, so it’s a good start to the window for Tim Steidten and Lopetegui.
A new central defender was seen as a priority with Angelo Ogbonna set to leave when his contract expires, while there are doubts over the futures of Nayef Aguerd and captain Kurt Zouma too.
Bruno is a recent Brazil international with great experience, but he is also comfortable on the ball and excellent physically so should be able to adapt to the top flight fairly easily.
Steidten was reported to have travelled to Brazil earlier this year to take a look at players and it clearly wasn’t a wasted trip, with Wesley Gassova also linked with a move to join Bruno at the club.
Plans are in place and Steidten is making his moves, so Hammers fans should be excited to see what they have lined up for the new season.
In other West Ham news, the club are set to trigger the £17m release clause for a brand new attacker.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.