West Ham get Matheus Martinelli transfer clarity after confirmed contract news
West Ham United are now fully aware exactly how much it will cost to sign Matheus Martinelli from Fluminense.
The Hammers are reported to have fallen short with a bid of around £10.4million for the Brazil international hopeful in January.
West Ham were not alone in showing an interest, however, and Fluminense have now moved to tie the midfielder down to a new deal.
Fluminense have announced that Martinelli has extended his contract at the Brazilian club by a further three years until December 2030.
And RTI Esporte reports that the new contract includes a release clause of £26.2m, meaning the London Stadium club – or any other interested parties – will have to pay more than double.
Why Matheus Martinelli could steal be considered a steal if bought now
The fact Martinelli has signed a new deal with Fluminense suggests he will not be on the move anytime soon.
However, money speaks, and £26m is not exactly a huge sum – especially when you consider the 24-year-old’s stock could rise considerably this summer.
There are suggestions Martinelli could be part of Carlo Ancelotti’s next Brazil squad in March, which would put him in pole position to land a World Cup spot.
Should Martinelli be part of Brazil’s squad in the USA, Mexico and Canada, you can already add countless extra millions onto his price tag.
West Ham were clearly interested enough in Martinelli to make an offer in the winter window, and it may make sense to follow up on that now while they have a chance.
The one factor that could work against West Ham in Martinelli pursuit
The same report as before indicates that Martinelli has learned from teammate Jhon Arias, who left Fluminense for a struggling Wolves side before returning back.
Martinelli does not want to play for a team struggling at the wrong end of a division in Europe’s top leagues.
That is very much a category West Ham find themselves in right now, but there is no reason that can all change.
Nuno Espirito Santo is tasked with keeping the Hammers in the Premier League first and foremost, but beyond that he will want to push on and aim for mid-table at worst.
The big fear, though, is that players abroad see West Ham’s struggles this season and are put off by a move in the summer should Nuno keep the Irons up.
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