Igor Jesus stance on Botafogo exit emerges as West Ham United table £30m+ transfer
Igor Jesus is not interested in leaving Botafogo this season amid interest from West Ham, according to OTV Foco.
The Brazilian source reported [6 November] that the 23-year-old has refused the proposal of the East London side after the Hammers offered £30.3million (R$225million) for the striker.
It is understood that the player is experiencing one of his best seasons to date and his main focus is on winning trophies in Brazil with Botafogo, a team owned by Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor.
West Ham United to miss out on Botafogo striker Igor Jesus?
Jesus is certainly in good form, boasting eight goals and three assists in 23 appearances since arriving in Brazil from the United Arab Emirates this summer.
The 23-year-old has experienced an interesting career so far, scoring 40 goals in 84 games for Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai during his time in UAE before returning to Brazil.
With Niclas Fullkrug still sidelined, and Michail Antonio and Danny Ings failing to impress at the London Stadium, it is clear that another striker signing should be at the top of Julen Lopetegui’s wishlist.
Despite playing in a much lesser league, Jesus has clearly done enough to impress, earning his international debut with Brazil and scoring once in his two caps.
Much like Fullkrug, bringing the 23-year-old to the Premier League would be a huge risk for the Hammers, though something certainly needs to change at the striker position.
Splashing £30million on a new forward would raise a number of eyebrows, though Tim Steidten is well known for his South American signings.
With Jesus strongly against leaving Botafogo, however, West Ham seem to have already missed out on their chance to sign the striker.
In other West Ham news, a talkSPORT pundit reacted live on air as Ruud van Nistelrooy was mooted to replace Julen Lopetegui.
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