West Ham chase "new Tomas Soucek" in a double Sao Paulo swoop!
West Ham chase "new Tomas Soucek" in a double Sao Paulo swoop!
West Ham look to sign 2 Sao Paulo players in January!
West Ham are looking to sign Luizao and Pablo Maia from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo in January, with Luizao joining on a pre-contract agreement.
Pablo Maia is said to want to join West Ham, in order to follow his fellow teammate to the East London club, but it won’t be easy. West Ham will face competition from 2 other London clubs, in Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur for the Brazilians signature, but it is reported by The Mirror that Maia favours a move to West Ham.
West Ham may lose out on Maia to Tottenham however, as they are struggling to agree a price for the 20 year old Brazilian. It is also reported that West Ham would prefer a loan with a buy option instead of paying upfront, whilst Tottenham would be willing to pay upfront in January.
Maia isn’t someone West Ham want to miss out on, as he seems to be playing very well in the Brazilian league already. Maia is in the 96th percentile for pass completion, averaging an 89.6% of completed passes per 90. On top of this, he is in the 90th percentile for blocks, averaging 1.58 blocks per 90, and being in the 85th percentile for aerial duels won, winning 1.58 per 90 (despite being just 5 foot 8!). He’s sure to win over West Ham fans quickly, as he loves to put in challenges, and plays passes that can easily split a defence open!
On the other hand, West Ham are “on the verge of reaching a conclusion” for his teammate, Luizao. It is said that Luizao will join the under 23 squad before making his steps up to the senior team under David Moyes, according to reliable West Ham source, ExWHUEmployee.
Luizao is very similar defensively to Maia, as he is also not afraid to put a challenge in. He times his tackles almost to perfection, and has the pace to keep up with many attackers and wingers. Luizao is also a very athletic player, especially for his age, shrugging off everyone he comes up against with ease!
What are your thoughts on Luizao and Maia potentially joining the Hammers? Let me know in the comments!