By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
With transfer deadline day approaching, West Ham remain in talks over the signing of Nottingham Forest defender Morato as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to strengthen his defensive options.
Claret & Hugh sources say the Hammers have been looking closely at the Brazilian for around a week, with one source telling us:
“At this stage, he looks like the most likely centre-back West Ham will sign.”
West Ham clearly believe another central defender is required. The emergence of Airidas Golambeckis has been hugely encouraging, but after spending much of the window pursuing Axel Disasi, it would be surprising if the club didn’t strengthen before the deadline.
Indeed, the need for another centre-back became even more obvious when the Disasi deal disappeared.
So, what exactly could Morato bring?
1. He’s A Massive Presence But Not Dominant
At around 6ft 4in, Morato certainly looks built for Championship football.
The 25-year-old is a physically imposing defender who has already accumulated significant experience with Benfica and Nottingham Forest.
However, there is a concerning catch.
Despite his size, Morato’s aerial-duel success in the Premier League data sits at just 45.45%.
That’s not too clever and certainly the statistic that concerns me most and one to keep an eye on should he join West Ham.
2. He’s A Left-Footed Centre-Back
Morato is naturally left-footed, which immediately provides competition for the also aerially challenged Max Kilman.
I certainly wouldn’t expect the pair to play together regularly. If Morato forces his way into Nuno’s starting XI, I’d imagine it would be alongside Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Kilman hasn’t exactly made the left-sided centre-back position his own, so genuine competition wouldn’t be a bad thing.
The emergence of Golambeckis has certainly helped the situation, with the youngster taking his Championship opportunity superbly at Watford, but West Ham still look light in the position.
3. He’s Already Accustomed To English Football
This isn’t a developmental signing who’ll need months to acclimatise.
Morato has Premier League experience with Nottingham Forest and previously played Champions League and Europa League football for Benfica.
At 25, he’s also entering what should be the prime years of his career.
That makes some sense for West Ham. Nuno needs somebody capable of challenging for a starting place now rather than another prospect who might be ready in two years.
4. He’s Surprisingly Progressive
Perhaps the hidden gem in Morato’s numbers is what he does with the football.
He’s averaging 8.55 progressive passes per 90 minutes, placing him 16th among the Premier League centre-backs displayed in the data.
For such an imposing defender, there appears to be considerably more to his game than simply heading and tackling.
With Championship opponents increasingly prepared to sit deep against West Ham, having another defender comfortable progressing the ball certainly wouldn’t hurt.
| Morato – Key Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6ft 4in (192cm) |
| Defensive duels won | 64.63% |
| Aerial duels won | 45.45% |
| Progressive passes | 8.55 per 90 |
| Recoveries | 9.25 per 90 |
5. He Gets Through Plenty Of Defensive Work
Morato is averaging 9.25 recoveries per 90 and winning 64.63% of his defensive duels.
Those are encouraging numbers, even if that aerial record remains something of a mystery for somebody his size.
West Ham need another centre-back and Morato certainly ticks several boxes. He’s experienced, left-footed, physically imposing and comfortable progressing the ball.
Whether he’s being signed as an immediate first choice is another question entirely, but with the clock ticking towards the transfer deadline, he increasingly looks like the defender Nils Koppen believes he can actually get through the door.
What is Nuno’s obsession with slow players? It infuriates me he mentions about squad balance yet the squad is bereft of pace in key areas. We’re get roasted at the back in the transition with this guy play, especially as our fullbacks are not the quickest either.
Why all the negativity? Let the boy play and debate the politics after! Kilman is hardly settling the world alight and if something happens to dino we’re screwed (with or without the encouraging displays from the boy who was my man of the match against Watford) . We need body’s. He’s a bit of a feisty one and puts his foot in too. If it’s a loan with an option and not an obligation I think this is a good bit of business. He’s acclimatised to English football and he’s at a good age. Proper left back, another winger and a ball winning cm and I’d consider this semi successful. We need numbers lads, you can’t loose 16 players and think we’re still that team from last year. Rebuild begins and the one thing I would say is that there’s not 1 signing so far that I’ve rolled my eyes at (first window in my life, albeit). Up the irons!
I remember this guy. Treacle legs. Don’t know what the question is, only that he isn’t the answer. There is a good reason why Forest are shipping him out.
Hopefully it’s a loan without obligation doesn’t sound great from the stats.
We need the defender from wolves a real leader who’s going to lead our defence
check out the 4pm article then, Tony
Doesn’t really matter if he’s left or right footed- he needs jumping practice. He can’t be worse than Kilman. It wouldn’t take much to better Todibo.
Hi gonzo, he is also slow as a London bus in a traffic jam and was used to shiput down games by the bloke in the dipug out at forest, so we will see nothing change in terms of the managers dreadfully defensive approach to games. I’m sick to death of his negativity and his ability to remove all joy from the team. How long will he be allowed to continue bringing in players like this who will be used to simply throttle the life out of the game? We could have had Dael fry yet we end up with this! It’s a joke
Played under Nuno previously but don’t be fooled can’t play left back.
To slow and gets left behind.
Also linked to Krejci (Soucek national captain) looks better option.
L/bks look thin on the ground unless Koppen has some hidden wonder.