West Ham United are close to signing Flamengo centre-back Fabricio Bruno.
Nothing is finalised but a deal which would see the 28-year-old move to the London Stadium for an initial €13.5million plus €1.5m in add-ons and sign a five-year contract is progressing. He was left out of Flamengo’s squad for their 3-0 Copa Libertadores win over Millonarios on Tuesday due to the discussions.
The defender would become Julen Lopetegui’s first signing after the Spaniard was confirmed as West Ham’s new head coach earlier this month. West Ham are also close to signing Wes Foderingham on a free transfer with the goalkeeper set to leave relegated Sheffield United upon the expiration of his contract at the end of next month.
Bruno has spent his entire career playing in Brazil, representing Cruzeiro, Chapecoense, and RB Bragantino before joining Flamengo in February 2022.
The defender has made 114 appearances for Flamengo helping the side win the 2022 Brazilian Cup and the 2022 Copa Libertadores.
He has made two appearances for the Brazil national team, earning his first cap during the 1-0 victory over England on March 23 at Wembley. Bruno was not included in Dorival Junior’s 23-man provisional squad for the 2024 Copa America.
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‘No surprise West Ham are targeting defenders’
Analysis from West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas
It is no surprise new head coach Lopetegui intends to make defender Fabricio Bruno his first summer signing.
Last season, West Ham were porous defensively. They conceded 74 Premier League goals, the fourth-highest behind Sheffield United (104), Luton Town (85) and Burnley (78). In 2022-23, West Ham only conceded 55 goals in the league.
Strengthening the heart of the defence will be a priority for Lopetegui, with Nayef Aguerd attracting interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Angelo Ogbonna set to leave when his contract expires this summer.
(Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
