West Ham United will look to sign a striker before Friday’s summer transfer deadline, with Marcos Leonardo one of their targets.
According to reputed German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Marcos Leonardo is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers want to sign a striker before the summer transfer window shuts down. And the 20-year-old Santos attacker is one of three candidates on their radar. Meanwhile, Technical Director Tim Steidten has travelled to Brazil to see through a deal.
Marcos Leonardo spent most of his formative years with Santos, rising through the ranks at the Brazilian club before establishing himself as a first-team regular. The Brazilian striker made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old in August 2020 and has since come leaps and bounds.
The 20-year-old had to bide his time at Vila Belmiro before becoming a pivotal figure for Santos. And after an impressive 2022 campaign with the Brazilian outfit, he has gone great guns this term. Leonardo has a solid tally of 16 goals and four assists in 33 appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with several high-profile clubs setting their sights on him. Widespread reports have linked him with Premier League bigwigs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur. But West Ham United might be his realistic destination in England.
❗️🆕 @WestHam is focused on three strikers from Brazil as Director Tim Steidten is already at site. For David Moyes he’s going to find a hard working No. 9 with a top character! #WHUFC
Candidates:
➡️ Yuri Alberto (Corinthians)
➡️ Pedro (Flamengo) 📸
➡️ Marcos Leonardo (FC… pic.twitter.com/4NehlYdA5l— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 29, 2023
The Hammers are in the market for a striker in the final days of the summer transfer window. The primary reason for their search is seeking a replacement for Gianluca Scamacca, who has joined Atalanta. But with Danny Ings facing an uncertain future at the London Stadium, West Ham will need a top-notch option.
They have thus set their sights on several strikers, including Yuri Alberto and Pedro. And West Ham will also attempt to secure the services of Marcos Leonardo in the coming days. Meanwhile, Tim Steidten, West Ham’s Technical Director, is in Brazil to hash out a deal for one of the three forwards.
Leonardo has been the most impressive striker of the three candidates on West Ham’s radar. But it will be interesting to see who becomes their top option to bolster their offensive unit before Friday’s summer transfer deadline.
