West Ham United are set to seal a €20 million move for Luiz Felipe as David Moyes brings a new, much-needed centre-back.
According to ABC Sevilla, West Ham United are set to bring Luiz Felipe in a €20 million deal from Real Betis. The 26-year-old Italian international will shore up a backline that seemed vulnerable last season and add depth plus quality.
West Ham United plan to strengthen their squad using the summer window, but things have been moving slowly. David Moyes is eager to lead the team into the new campaign, but there are uncertainties over his final squad ahead of the campaign.
Since Declan Rice has already agreed on a move to Arsenal, other prominent names might also look for a way out. The Hammers have long-term contracts for their players, but there’s always the danger of another team snapping their key stars.
They remain focused on incomings and how to put the Rice money to good use. They are keen to replace the departing midfielder with Denis Zakaria considered a target. Other quality names were on their radar, like Edson Alvarez, but the Chelsea flop seems like a viable alternative.
Similarly, they are keen on Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse and could keep negotiating to find an agreement. Meanwhile, Moyes seems to have taken time out to switch his focus towards a new defender.
The Hammers are in the market for a new centre-back and left-back, while Ben Johnson’s departure would also make them search for a right-back. As for the position in the middle, West Ham faced plenty of questions for their defensive performances last season.
Moyes does not want the team to get dragged into another relegation battle and wants sufficient reinforcements. They are now close to signing Luiz Felipe from Real Betis in a €20 million deal. The two sides may have finalised terms already, and the transfer may conclude in the coming days.
The report suggests Felipe might come in to replace one of their existing centre-backs, notably Kurt Zouma. The Frenchman saw a visible performance drop, although Moyes might keep him on board. As for Felipe, the 26-year-old Italian international had plenty of interest, with Liverpool one of the clubs showing admiration.
A move to West Ham could upgrade his career and pose a bigger challenge than at Real Betis. He will adapt to the Premier League, but the 26-year-old Italian international could prove himself in England over time.
Another squad player ( Luiz Felipe) is not bad cover for what might become a 60 game season . Westham should not pay more than 8-10 million for Zakaria who is injury prone and flopped for Juve and Chelsea . At that price if he fails again Westham won’t lose too much . Fair play rules on spending will become important .
Didn’t see that coming….good to see them spot some good ones though to spend without having to break the bank a lot.
Luiz Felipe is a 6’2″ center back with good defensive stats but no offensive abilities . He will be O.K as a squad player and filler , but no bells and whistles .