West Ham United are making a strong push to sign Brazilian defender Fabricio Bruno from Flamengo, according to Vene Casagrande.
A West Ham representative has reportedly traveled to Rio de Janeiro to expedite negotiations with Bruno, it is unclear whether or not it is Tim Steidten. The purpose of the visit appears to be a final effort to try and renegotiate the player’s new wage demands, with Flamengo already agreeing to a sale.
Bruno’s inclusion on Flamengo’s bench for their recent Copa Libertadores match suggests a potential imminent departure.
This deal, spearheaded by West Ham’s Head of Recruitment Tim Steidten, highlights the club’s strategy of acquiring players from foreign leagues at potentially lower costs.
Securing Bruno would be a significant boost for West Ham as they build their squad under new manager Julen Lopetegui.
The potential arrival of Bruno comes amidst potential departures in West Ham’s central defence. Angelo Ogbonna is expected to leave on a free transfer, while Nayef Aguerd could be sold with interest from Marseille.
While Bruno’s international experience for Brazil is a positive, there are concerns about his lack of European football experience. However, his physical attributes and ability on the ball suggest he could adapt well to the Premier League.
West Ham’s proactive approach, sending a representative to Rio, demonstrates their desire to finalise the Bruno deal as soon as possible.
Let’s hope he gets it done!
Heard Tim Vickery on the radio talking about this guy. He knows far more than us and says the guy can’t do anything apart from stand in the oppositions box and defend. He’s not good on the ball and is unlikely to offer anything but be a unit blocking goals.
He also said it was an odd signing as he is far more a David Moyes type defender than Jlo.
Yeah, I’d like a defender who does his job and others can do the fancy bits, but if, because he only got his only 2 starts ever for Brazil through injuries to others, he thinks he deserves big wages, then I’d knock this on the head. If a pay-day is far more important then let some other club fall for that one. Not like he’s 24. He’s 28 and never had a chance of a move like this before.
I saw a video of every touch he had in one game. He looked safe with nothing fancy, did his job, played simple reliable balls. 28 is a good age for a central defender, a balance between experience and having a few good years left. At the end of the day £12.5M is not a large fee so not too much can be expected, if he was all whistles and bells that wouldn’t be the fee.
If we can’t afford the wages we won’t attract the players to elevate us into European football , loopy probably won’t like it and will disappear and we will probably head for the championship post haste, as usual all gravy and no meat.