West Ham United in ‘very advanced’ negotiations over £17m+ Luiz Felipe transfer
West Ham are approaching a deal with Real Betis for centre-back Luiz Felipe, which could cost the Hammers £17.1million according to Spanish outlet Al Final De La Palmera.
The East London side are in very advanced negotiations for a £17.1million deal for Betis defender Felipe which would see the Spanish club make “transcendental” capital gain, having brought the centre-back to the club for free just last summer.
It has been reported that the two clubs are hoping to speed up the negotiations over this deal after it advanced decisively last week, with a conclusion pending, and will be finished off shortly. The report states that this sale would be the biggest for Betis since Giovanni Lo Celso left in 2019.
West Ham were first linked to Felipe almost two weeks ago as El Chiringuito TV [30 June] revealed the club had made a bid, with negotiations reaching advanced negotiations since then as the Hammers have moved quickly with this deal.
Good signing.
This transfer makes a lot of sense for both parties, with West Ham bringing in a top player while Betis make £17.1million profit on the player, so it comes as no surprise that the deal was able to reach the advanced stages so quickly.
West Ham have targeted central defenders this summer as they look to add more reliability to their defence as well as to solidify and build depth ahead of their Europa League campaign, after also being linked with a move for Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah [Rheinische Post, 7 July].
Felipe played 23 times in La Liga last season with a further five appearances in the Europa League. One concern to the Hammers will be that the central defender picked up three red cards last season.
At just 26 years old, Felipe has plenty of experience for his age, having been playing regular top-flight football since the 2017/18 season, and his age means he could give West Ham a minimum of five years at the top of his game in the heart of their defence.
This one looks close.
In other West Ham news, club sources have denied any bid for new midfielder.