West Ham United have made their first signing under Julen Lopetegui, with Fabricio Bruno set to join from Brazilian club Flamengo. The 28-year-old will be making the move immknently, as the deal has been agreed between the two clubs.
The Hammers will be paying a sum worth €12 million up-front plus €1.5 million in the form of add-ons for the central defender. An agreement on personal terms is also in place between the player and the club, meaning only the medical tests and formalities are left for it to go through.
Fabricio Bruno to join West Ham United from Flamengo
🚨⚒️ Fabrício Bruno to West Ham, here we go! Verbal agreement now in place between West Ham and Flamengo for 28 year old centre back.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 27, 2024
Exclusive details: €12m fixed fee plus €1.5m add-ons.
Brazilian CB will be first signing for Lopetegui at #WHUFC. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/WheZeliAtB
The London club have struggled with their current lineup of central defenders this past season. Kurt Zouma has been sidelined with injuries, while Nayef Aguerd could be on the move. Angelo Ogbonna and Konstantinos Mavropanos have been unconvincing when starting, which has necessitated the transfer for a first team quality player.
It’s interesting to note that Fabricio Bruno might take some time to get adjusted to his new surroundings. The centre-back has only ever played in Brazil, having played for Cruzeiro, Chapeconense, RB Bragantino and Flamengo.
Standing tall at 1.92 metres, Bruno is expected to provide a physical presence in defence for West Ham in the new season. And with a full preseason under Lopetegui, it’ll be interesting to see how things will turn out for him.
