Sao Paulo defender Luizao breaks silence as West Ham January transfer edges closer

football.london understands Luizao is close to joining West Ham and will join the Under-21 side from Sao Paulo once his contract in Brazil expires at the end of January

Kadeem Simmonds

16:03, 14 Dec 2022

West Ham United transfer target Luizao has said farewell to Sao Paulo ahead of a potential switch to the Premier League in January.

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The 20-year-old will be a free agent when his contract at the Brazilian club expires at the end of January and football.london understands that a deal is close that will see the defender move to the London Stadium to join the Under-21 side.

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So far this season, Luizao has made 14 Serie A appearances and found the back of the once, and had featured not only at centreback but at left back as well.

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Speaking on his Instagram, Luizao said: "If my cycle in Sao Paulo closes, gratitudes is undoubetly [sic] the word that stays, it's been six years of a lot of learning and work.

"I arrived a dreamy boy and left the club as a man with goals and goals to be met, I know many will judge r [sic] the form I leave but I make it clear that above all I maintain my respect and love for the club.

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"Thank you Sao Paulo Football Club."

David Moyes bolstered his defensive ranks over the summer with the signing of Moroccan international Nayef Aguerd, who had to wait until October to make his first-team debut after picking up an ankle injury in pre-season, and German international Thilo Kehrer from PSG.

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Aguerd has helped Morocco to the 2022 Qatar World Cup semi-final but picked up an injury in the round of 16 win over Spain and is unlikely to play in Wednesday's semi-final against France.

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