Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth has claimed that Luizao won’t be part of the West Ham United first team right away upon signing.
It comes amid a report from Hammers fan and 90min journalist Toby Cudworth that confirmed the east London club were working on a double deal to bring in Luizao and Sao Paulo teammate Pablo Maia.
Cudworth confirmed that the former was in the country for his medical while the club continue to pursue the transfer of Maia.
However, it seems as if 20-year-old Luizao won’t immediately come into David Moyes’ thinking.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Sheth said: “He had a medical earlier on this week with West Ham. He’s expected to join West Ham in January on a three-and-a-half-year deal, but he’s seen as one for the future, so he’s expected to be in the development squad rather than the first-team squad just now.”
TIF Thoughts on Luizao and West Ham…
Do West Ham need a busy January window?
Yes
No
Either way, this could prove to be a major win for Rob Newman and his recruitment team given that Portugal’s top three sides as well as Fulham, Wolves and Juventus were among those vying for the youngster’s signature.
Hailed as ‘super confident’ on the ball by journalist Jorge Nicola, he seems to have warmed to the task having been thrust into the starting lineup in the Brazilian top flight for the first time back in July.
However, despite Kurt Zouma recovering from a knee injury and doubts over the future of Craig Dawson, with Luizao having just 14 senior appearances to his name, it does feel as if this is a deal with an eye on the future – though he could well be needed sooner rather than later.