Fulham and West Ham United are set to go up against each other for the signature of Brazilian defender Luizao.
According to Gazeta Esportiva, London based Premier League clubs Fulham and West Ham United are both interested in securing the services of Brazilian defender Luizao.
The 20-year-old is making waves with his performances for Brazilian giants Sao Paulo. The Brazilian club’s manager, Rogerio Ceni expects the youngster to move to Europe next year. Luizao’s contract with Sao Paulo is up in January, and there does not appear to be any indication of a renewal in the works.
He will not be short of options, with several European clubs keeping close tabs on developments. Newly-promoted Fulham have enjoyed a fine start to the season but are in possession of the fourth worst defence in the top flight. They have conceded 20 goals so far in the Premier League and this inability to shut up shop could back to bite them come the business end of the season.
Signing Luizao is certainly a tempting proposition given their requirements. The 20-year-old is a fine player with immense potential. He is, however, far from the refined product and is unlikely to make an impression from the get-go.
West Ham United are another team who can do with a centre-back. Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna are not getting any younger, while Kurt Zouma has his issues with injuries. The Hammers brought in Nayef Aguerd and Thilo Kehrer in the summer, and the duo could have a big role at the club in the years to come.
Adding a prospect such as Luizao will add depth and a potential world-class talent to the squad. Should he develop as expected, the Hammers could strike big. Landing a player of his abilities, that too for free, is something that West Ham can try to take advantage of.
A good passer, the Brazilian has the technical ability and intelligence to thrive as a modern-day centre-back. However, he does lack aerial prowess and is yet to get proper control over his discipline. Leaving it unaddressed could land him in hot soup in the physically competent Premier League. The Brazilian has the physicality to thrive in Europe, and how he refines that aspect of his game could determine his fortunes.
Still rough around the edges, Luizao has much to do before he can be relied upon as a top-level footballer starting week-in, week-out for a Premier League side. But then Fulham and West Ham would both be foolhardy to not sign him should the opportunity arise.
