West Ham United should up bid for Vitao amid Nayef Aguerd uncertainty

One thing West Ham fans will agree on this transfer window is that the Hammers need to improve their defence.

Thanks to the departure of Angelo Ogbonna, the struggles of Kurt Zouma last season and the potential departure of Nayef Aguerd, defensive reinforcements are essential if the London-based club wish to improve on their league position.

An avenue that West Ham could explore this summer is a return to their former target Vitao.

GZH reported [17 June] that the Hammers' first bid to Internacional for the defender wasn't a fee they felt matched his value.

However, after their initial bid was rejected, it seems as if the club have taken a step back from pursuing their target.

So, should they choose to resurface their quest for the youngster, a fee in excess of their first reported £5.9million bid will have to be made for a move to even be considered.

Why West Ham should continue their pursuit of Vitao this summer

The 2024/25 summer transfer window seems to be one where the Hammers are consistently being linked with young players.

West Ham have already confirmed the transfer of Luis Guilherme [The Athletic, 13 June]. this summer and are being heavily linked with Atletico Madrid man, Samu Omorodion [Matt Law, 18 June].

With these transfers in mind, it's evident that Julen Lopetegui is building his squad for the future and ensuring that his players aren't just first-team players for now.

Hence, why Vitao would be an ideal addition to the squad. Last season, the 24-year-old played 25 games across all competitions and was ever present in the Internacional squad.

The fact that the defender is only 24 also plays in both Lopetegui's and the players' favour as he still has room to develop but is mature enough to be integrated into the first team.

And, with Aguerd facing an uncertain future [Dharemsh Sheth,12 June], he could slot right into the Morocco international's role and perhaps even perform better.

In other West Ham news, a development has emerged in the Hammers' pursuit of Tammy Abraham.

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