John Textor confirms Igor Jesus and West Ham United transfer news
John Textor has confirmed that West Ham United have contacted him to discuss the potential transfer of Igor Jesus from Botafogo.
It was reported on 3 November that the Irons have signalled a £30million offer for the Brazil international via an intermediary (GE Globo).
However, Textor has already told Julen Lopetegui’s side, as well as other interested parties, that a decision will not be made until the end of the Brazilian season.
“Yes, I spoke to West Ham [about Igor Jesus], but I spoke to four other Premier League teams, two La Liga teams, a German team”, Textor said to the press via ESPN Brazil (6 November).
“But I told everyone that he is focused on the Brazilian Championship.”
Textor also hailed Jesus, saying: “Igor is the prototype of a perfect striker. He pivots moves, positions himself behind defenders, runs, is dynamic, has finishing skills.
“He has impressed a lot of people and there is a lot of interest in him.”
West Ham United eye Igor Jesus signing in January
The final third is an area that needs strengthening at West Ham, with Michail Antonio, Danny Ings and Niclas Fullkrug all in their 30s.
Antonio and Ings have scored only two goals between them this season, while Fullkrug has been restricted to just 63 minutes of league football due to fitness issues.
This is why Lopetegui has set his eyes on bringing in a new centre-forward in the January transfer window as he looks to turn things around at the London Stadium (The Times).
A move for Jesus, therefore, makes sense for the Hammers because of all the qualities mentioned above by Textor.
Jesus, who joined Botafogo from Emirati club Shabab Al-Ahli in July, has bagged eight goals and three assists in 23 appearances for the Brazilian club.
His performances for the Rio-based club have also seen him earn a call-up to the Brazil national team. He displayed his goalscoring prowess in his debut, netting in their 2-1 win against Chile on 11 October.
In other West Ham news, Lopetegui has lost the Irons dressing room with senior stars unhappy with his methods.
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