West Ham transfer twist shocks ex-Inter Milan star in front of journalists – ‘Wow’
Gabriel Barbosa has expressed his shock at a transfer twist which could see Fabricio Bruno turn down a move to West Ham United.
Following Flamengo’s 3-0 victory over Millonarios, the club’s striker said in front of journalists in the mixed zone at the Maracanã, “Wow, Fabrício Bruno is going to stay at Flamengo, huh?” (via Ge.Globo, 29 May).
It comes as the ex-Inter Milan striker’s teammate has reportedly turned down a contract offer from the Hammers, despite an agreement between the clubs.
West Ham have offered Bruno a salary which is not “significantly” more than what he already receives at Flamengo, while the deal would also expire six months earlier than his current contract in Brazil.
Will Fabricio Bruno complete a move to West Ham United from Flamengo?
This is not a good look for the Hammers.
Very rarely would a player playing in Brazil turn down a move to the Premier League due to financial concerns.
England’s top flight is supposedly one of the wealthiest leagues in the world, and it comes as a surprise that the Hammers cannot offer better terms than Flamengo.
From the club’s point of view, they must get this deal across the line.
Failing to do so would send a bad message to Julen Lopetegui so early into the manager’s reign at the London Stadium.
Lopetegui is no stranger to walking away from a club due to disagreements over transfers, and West Ham cannot afford to let this happen.
Bruno was left out of Flamengo’s squad on Wednesday, which suggests a deal is still on the cards.
But it looks as if it is the player who the club need to convince, not Flamengo.
In other West Ham United news, the club are in “advanced talks” to complete a new signing.
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