West Ham ready to sanction Luizao transfer as directors approve deal
West Ham United are willing to sanction either a loan or permanent transfer with Atletico Mineiro’s directors in talks over Luizao, according to UOL.
The Brazilian outlet reported on 5 January that the Irons are negotiating with the 22-year-old centre-back over a potential exit, which could be either on loan or permanent depending on the conditions.
Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro first made contact with the Hammers over Luizao’s availability last month, and the Campeonato Serie A club’s directors have approved the deal with a formal offer now expected.
Under contract until 2026, Luizao is yet to make his first-team debut in East London since signing from Sao Paulo in December 2022, but has been a standout for the Irons at Under-23s level.
Luizao transfer is best move for all parties at West Ham
The fact that the Hammers haven’t seen fit to call upon Luizao so far this season, despite having the fourth-worst defence in the Premier League, suggests that the Brazilian has next to no future at the club.
That also proved to be the case last term as David Moyes’ side conceded a whopping 74 goals, with his successor Julen Lopetegui having already shipped 39 goals in just 20 matches this time around.
Signing Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo this summer hasn’t shored up the defence in the way Irons fans would have hoped going into this season, and yet Luizao still can’t get a look-in under Lopetegui.
As a result, it’s hardly surprising to see him – now 22 and having not played a first-team game since his Sao Paulo days – push for the exit door, putting several clubs in his homeland on high alert.
January reinforcements will be top of the billing for many Hammers fans, but with sales likely needed to sign new players, Luizao is one whom the London Stadium hierarchy will be happy to get off the books.
In other West Ham news, transfer speculation surrounding an out-of-form player was mocked by an Irons legend on social media.
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