West Ham United is nearing the completion of signing Brazilian defender Fabrício Bruno from Flamengo. The deal is reportedly worth £12.5 million, with an additional £2.5 million in potential add-ons. This move marks the first signing under the new head coach, Julen Lopetegui, who joined the club at the end of the previous season, replacing David Moyes.
Bruno, 28, made his debut for the Brazilian national team in a match against England in March and plays as a centre-back. He joined Flamengo in 2022 for just over £2 million. West Ham's decision to bolster its defense comes after a season where the team conceded 74 goals, leading to a ninth-place finish in the Premier League.
West Ham has been active in the transfer market following the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105 million. New recruits include Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez, among others. As Lopetegui aims to improve the team's defensive capabilities, other potential targets include Maximilian Kilman of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Jacob Greaves from Hull City.
On another front, West Ham is delaying a decision on midfielder Flynn Downes' future. Downes, who had a successful loan spell at Southampton and helped the team secure promotion back to the Premier League, might be retained at West Ham pending Lopetegui's assessment during pre-season.