Is Morato really Premier League quality as West Ham plot permanent move?
Morato is being targeted for a permanent move to West Ham United.
The centre-back joined the Hammers on an initial season-long loan from Nottingham Forest.
The Brazilian joined Forest in 2024 in a £12million deal from Benfica, but was set to play a backseat under Oliver Glasner at the City Ground this term.
Nuno Espirito Santo has thrown Morato into his starting lineup, most recently playing and impressing in the Irons' 1-0 win over current Championship league leaders Swansea City.
The defender has been playing the majority of his football in E20 as a left-back, with Oli Scarles and Adama Boiro yet to convince.
However, if West Ham are promoted, should Morato be the type of player that Nuno wants to sign for the Hammers?
Permanent Morato move assessed after transfer update
Nuno is keen to sign Morato permanently if West Ham are promoted, as the Hammers hold a buy option for the centre-back.
It's understood that the buy option is likely to be triggered if promotion is achieved, while Axel Disasi is also wanted back at the London Stadium.
There have been split opinions on Morato since he arrived in E20, with many not sold on him as a left-back.
The truth is that the 25-year-old has never been a full-back, so to say that he could play out of his natural position for West Ham in the Premier League, despite not being good enough for Forest, is scary.
It's highly likely that the former Benfica star would get found out in the Premier League if he was deployed as a left-back,
However, he could turn out to be a shrewd permanent signing if he were to act as cover at centre-back.
It may all depend purely on how smart Nuno is.
What does Nils Koppen think about Morato?
Nuno most likely pushed for Morato in the summer, having worked with him at Nottingham Forest during the 2024-25 season.
But what do West Ham club officials think about the defender?
Well, Nils Koppen is a huge fan of him, to say the least.
After Morato signed, Koppen said, as quoted by Hammers News: "We are really pleased to welcome Morato to West Ham United.
"He is a powerful, reliable defender, with big club experience and familiarity with English football, and is someone we believe will fit in well with the group.
"We think he will be a really positive addition to the squad and wish him all the very best here."
So far West Ham have seen positive signs from Morato, but he is clearly limited as a full-back, and that's something that the Hammers won't get away with in the Premier League.