What Gustavo Sa has now said about Famalicao as West Ham transfer closes in

Gustavo Sa to West Ham United has emerged as a possibility over the last week.

The East Londoners have lost Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur and need another midfielder.

The loss of the Portuguese ace will be felt, but the arrival of one of his fellow countrymen could soften that blow.

Famalicao's Sa looks primed for a switch to England as reports in Portugal have the move quite advanced.

Fresh updates have now come out of Sa's home country in regards to that potential move.

And Sa has also publicly spoken for the first time since the links emerged.

What is the latest on Gustavo Sa to West Ham?

There have already been hints that Sa is on his way to West Ham. Sa was absent from Famalicao's recent training sessions amid the links over a switch to E20.

But that absence may now be explained due to the midfield ace being presented with an award.

The print edition of Portuguese outlet O Jogo on Friday has provided an update on Sa's future.

The midfielder was handed an award - the Municipal Sports Merit Medal - which was presented by the Famalicao City Council.

It was given to him for his achievements with the Portuguese football club, in which he made his debut at just 17 in 2022.

He later went on to become captain, with 120 games since then under his belt.

However, more interestingly for the Hammers, O Jogo report that the award for Sa has arrived at a time where his move to West Ham is "practically finalised".

Sa would represent the Irons' first official signing of the summer, following confirmation that Keiber Lamadrid's loan was made into a permanent deal.

And while his move to the Irons has not picked up much steam in England, Portuguese media seem quite confident of a deal being completed.

Has Sa given his own hints over a transfer?

While the media in Portugal seem set on Sa making a move to West Ham, the midfielder's latest words contradict that.

Speaking after scooping up the award, Sa stated: "These distinctions are an important motivational factor to keep me fully focused on maximising my abilities and helping the club achieve its objectives.”

With Sa stating he is "fully focused" on helping Famalicao and their objectives, it is not exactly the words of a player on his way out.

But it will certainly be a saga to be followed over the coming days as more is assuredly set to emerge.