West Ham United close to £17m Jota Silva transfer, long-term contract awaits
West Ham United are close to signing Vitoria Guimaraes forward Jota Silva in a deal worth £17million, according to Sebastiao Sousa Pinto.
Writing on his personal X account (27 May), the Portuguese news journalist reports that the Hammers have activated his release clause after a fantastic season where he scored 15 goals and registered seven assists in the Super Liga.
A long-term contract “awaits” for the 24-year-old, although personal terms have not been agreed or completed yet.
Julen Lopetegui putting his stamp on the West Ham squad
Julen Lopetegui is stepping into the big shoes that David Moyes has left behind at the London Stadium as the club look to go in a different direction on the pitch.
Fans and the board want to see more attacking football and Lopetegui is a coach who is capable of producing that, but the squad needs some changes for it to be effective.
Maxwel Cornet and Danny Ings are expected to leave, while there is interest from MLS and Saudi clubs in striker Michail Antonio too. Silva would provide attacking depth.
It would be a big step up for the winger, but with Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma having already left the club more depth is needed anyway.
There is said to be competition in his signature but with West Ham close to sealing his arrival, it’s a positive start to the summer for the board when it comes to the transfer window.
In other West Ham news, the club have received a “significant” cash windfall after what happened in the last 24 hours.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.