West Ham are closing in on a deal to bring in Portuguese youth international Mesaque Dju from Benfica, according to Football.London correspondent Sam Inkersole.
The 19-year-old forward has won European Championships at both U17 and U19 levels and is expected to join the Hammers on a free transfer from the Europa League side.
Dju is understood to have flown to London today to agree personal terms with the Irons, and will link up with the U23s if a deal is struck.
Portugal U17 & U19 international Mesaque Dju is on his way to London today to sort out personal terms with #WHUFC ahead of a free transfer from Benfica. Will join up with the U23s in east London. The winger/forward Played with Domingos Quina for the U19 European Champions.
— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) January 28, 2019
Good move for West Ham?
This could be a very smart signing from the Hammers. Dju clearly has talent in abundance, and the potential to be a top quality player. He has international pedigree already, and comes from a club with a string history of producing world class talent. A free transfer is essentially a free hit, and aside from his wages, which aren’t going to break the bank, there is very little risk attached to the move. If it goes well, which it could easily, then the Hammers might just nab themselves a bargain for the future.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
This is about as close as a deal can be without its being confirmed. The player has flown into London to tie up personal terms, the language surrounding the deal is positive and gives it the feeling of a formality, and the two clubs appear to have gotten everything in order at their level. Nothing is concrete until the club themselves announce it, but it would be a shock if it didn’t happen.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10