West Ham United bosses make clear Fabricio Bruno transfer decision amid Saudi links
West Ham United’s bosses have made the clear decision not to match Fabricio Bruno’s wage demands this summer, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The Sky journalist reported via X on Monday (10 June) that a deal to bring the Brazilian international to the London Stadium is now off after the defender made new wage demands following interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Although the verbal agreement had previously been in place, the Hammers chiefs are not willing to match Bruno’s wage demands and have therefore told his management that the deal is now off.
Writing on X, Plettenberg said: “Understand Fabrício Bruno to West Ham, deal is currently off! Verbal agreement was done but then clubs from Saudi Arabia showed concrete interest.
“After that, new salary demands were made to West Ham. But clear decision: West Ham bosses do not want to meet these demands and have informed the player’s management about that.”
Will West Ham United sign Fabricio Bruno during the summer transfer window?
Will Julen Lopetegui is undoubtedly keen on adding to his forward options at the London Stadium this summer, the former Real Madrid manager will know that he needs to bolster a defence that was rather leaky last season.
The likes of Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma can be superb players when they’re fully fit and firing, but too often they are off of the pace required. Upgrading on the pair has to be a priority ahead of the start of pre-season.
However, the Hammers cannot be held to ransom over transfer fees or wage demands and they have been incredibly smart to have walked away from this deal when the goalposts moved. If Bruno was that desperate to move to West Ham, he would have stuck with the agreed wages.
Hopefully, those in charge at the London Stadium will move quickly to secure a new centre-back this summer. There are plenty of options out there capable of stepping into the fold under Lopetegui.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have already found a potential replacement for Aguerd amid links with Atletico Madrid
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