West Ham United have secured their first signing under new manager Julen Lopetegui, bringing in Brazilian centre-back Fabricio Bruno from Flamengo for a reported €12 million fee with an additional €1.5 million in potential add-ons. This was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on his Twitter (x) social media page this morning.
The 28-year-old Bruno will add much-needed solidity to the Hammers’ backline. West Ham fans, yearning for a return to attacking football under Lopetegui, might be surprised by this initial defensive move.
While Lopetegui is known for his attacking tactics, a strong defence remains a cornerstone of success. Bruno’s signing could be the first step in shoring up the defence to allow for a more expansive style of play.
West Ham fans who watched England’s friendly against Brazil in March may recognise Bruno. He was part of the Brazilian defence that limited England to only three shots on target. His presence could ,and should, significantly bolster West Ham’s defensive resolve.
Welcome to the Irons Fabrico!
Wecome to the family bruno COYI
Agree.
New back line needs to be like fort Knox (not relying on other players).
Releasing front attack to do their job.
Ogbonna, Zoom(a), Cresswell are no longer proficient and Bruno wants to be able to rely on team mates.
Unless moving Aguerd to left back is an option seems like he will be sold.
Coufal good team man but needs some rotation.
We need other 2 CB , one decent LB , two strikers and one GK.
Let’s hope he turns out better than some of our recent central defenders.
Both Aguerd and Zouma leave a lot to be desired. I thought that Aguerd was the best thing since sliced bread but his positioning and lack of perception and pace lets him down.
As for Zouma, what is wrong with him, no pace and looks like he’s crippled.
We also need a couple of decent full backs, both Coufal and Cressy look past their sell by dates although Coufal does get forward and puts in some lovely crosses.
Start from the back, we conceded more goals than every team apart from the three relegated teams – says it all to me.
You say Aguerd’s pace lets him down. I think he is the quickest in the squad. He is not strong enough to be a central defender. I would use him as a left fullback or wing back as he can wip in a great ball.
So do we call him Frank?
Frank Bruno!! Bosshh!
We call him Bruuuno.
He’s 28 and still plays in Brazil,id be worried no European club has we t for him before now
he’s in the Brazilian national squad. that’s all you need
I’d get rid of all our centre halves plus Johnson and Cresswell then keep Coufal and Emerson as squad players. Would also get rid of Ings and send Mubama out of loan should he sign a new contract. We need 2 full backs and 4 centre halves 2 strikers, 1 centre midfield and 2 new wingers
Best of luck with that
A whole new team then
I agree
New owners may help as well
Lets hope he does well.Hope we bring younger players in though,gotta get the squad age down.
Of course we need to strengthen defense, we conceded the most goals this season bar the 3 teams who got relegated! Attacking football this and that but with such holesome defence the backline should be top priority, we have good attacking players but there were too often tied at the back defending and helping hapless defence.
A Brazilian international for an initial outlay of £12m looks excellent business and his stats. are good. It makes a welcome change to do early business in the transfer market. So far, so good, with Steidten on the case.
Looks robust enough, good age for a centre back, I saw an every touch he had in one game video and he looked no frills keep it simple safe. Ogbonna’s retiring, Zouma looks more and more crocked, Aguerd looks like a sale, a centre back seems exactly what a first signing for us should be.
Why would it be a surprise? We all know how poor the defence is and centre backs are a priority, irrespective of whatever style we play.