By Sean Fisher

13th Nov, 2022 | 8:10pm

West Ham United target Jeffinho shows instant impact of new Brazilian scouting network

West Ham are “monitoring” Brazilian playmaker Jeffinho, who has been targeted by the Hammers through their Brazilian scouting network.

In late October, West Ham revealed that they are starting up a new scouting network in Rio de Janeiro as they try to find some promising young stars to bring to east London.

It seems the Hammers have decided upon their first target already, with Botafogo midfielder Jeffinho linked with a move.

Brazilian journalist Jose Passini broke the news, which was later relayed by Caught Offside. The report states that both West Ham and Newcastle scouts have been “monitoring” Jeffinho’s progress and that they were “delighted” with his recent performance against Fluminense.

Scouting success

Many eyebrows were raised when West Ham revealed that they’d be setting up scouting camps in Brazil, but admittedly it is one of the best places to find future world-class talent.

Brazil is a nation that has brought through a number of the world’s best players, and West Ham are clearly keen to try and uncover a gem of their own.

Jeffinho could well be just that. At 22 he has plenty of room to grow and improve but is already performing at a high level in a very underrated Brazilian league.

While the club has made some impressive big-name signings such as Lucas Paqueta and Gianluca Scamacca over the summer, it’s promising to see the board planning for the long-term with projects such as the Rio scouting network.

Buying a young star for a small fee either allows West Ham to develop them into a star or sell them on for a big fee. Regardless of what the club decide to do with their Brazilian talents, it’s a win-win for the Hammers.