West Ham will have to splash the cash if they are to secure the signing of 31-year-old Olympique Lyonnais defender Marcelo this summer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Sun reporter states on his personal Twitter account that the Hammers will have to pay a hefty transfer fee to sign the Brazilian veteran if they are to get a work permit which makes him eligible to play in England next season.
The former Brazil under-20 centre back, who stands at a giant 6’2″ (source: Transfermarkt) at the heart of the defence, made 49 appearances for Lyon last season, including in all 10 of his club’s Europa League fixtures.
Good move for West Ham?
Not in the slightest.
Marcelo might have the experience of Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and the Eredivisie, but the Premier League is a whole different kettle of fish.
That is not to say he would not be a good player in England’s top flight, but if West Ham are being forced to pay over the odds just to get him the work permit he needs, then it is not a worthwhile deal.
They have already paid big money for Issa Diop and while some experience at the back might be needed, it also has to come at the right price.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
It is likely that when West Ham realise just how much it is going to cost them to be in with a chance of having him available, this deal will go dead in the water.
He just does not fit the bill of someone the Irons would splash out big money for and with funds being limited, they could invest that cash much more wisely.
It would be a big surprise to see Marcelo in claret and blue next season.
This is Futbol rating: 2.5/10