Multiple reports are circulating that West Ham are close to signing La Liga defender Luiz Felipe.
According to the Spanish press, The Hammers are close to sealing a £17 million deal to sign Felipe. The agreement is believed to be at an advanced stage, and David Moyes is keen to conclude the transfer.
Much like Irons left back Emerson, Felipe represents Italy but was born and raised in Brazil. If it all sounds a little tenuous . . . well it is. Felipe qualifies for the Azzuri because his great grandfather was Italian. Italy’s ‘Jus Sanguinis’ law allows foreign nationals to gain citizenship through their parents ancestry.
Moyes chosen defensive partnership is Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd. However a transfer window wouldn’t feel authentic without Moyes signing a centre half and Felipe seems to be the prime candidate.
Angelo Ogbonna has just signed a contract extension and Thilo Kehrer can play in central defence. On the surface it would appear that West Ham have little need for another central defender. However, if rumours are to be believed, Kehrer is unhappy with his lack of first team action last season.
West Ham close to signing Luiz Felipe
Add in the fact that Nayef Aguerd will miss a chunk of the campaign on international duty during the African Cup of Nations. As a result it may be prudent to bolster the defensive numbers particularly given the loss of Craig Dawson.
Let’s just hope that this is the first of many signings. Once again the Hammers appear to have afforded their rivals a head-start with player recruitment. Signing two midfielders must surely be a matter of some urgency following Declan Rice’s departure.