Marcos Paulo (Image credit: Google)
As per TEAMTalk (h/t Burnley Express), West Ham have made an approach to sign Fluminense youngster Marcos Paulo this summer.
The report suggests that the youngster has a release clause of €40m. However, the Hammers could face competition to secure his services as Paulo has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs. Leeds United, Arsenal, Southampton, and relegated side Watford are also keen on him.
Born in Brazil, the Portuguese youth international came through the ranks of Fluminense’s youth system. He was promoted to the club’s senior squad back in January 2019 and since then; he has been a regular member of the squad.
The teenager has made 48 appearances to date, racking up 8 goals and 8 assists in the process, which is not bad for a player of his age. He has shown immense potential so far and could be seen as a future prospect. Paulo has also represented Portugal at the U18 and U19 levels.
David Moyes’ men got off to the worst possible start to the new campaign as they fell at the hands of Newcastle United. The Hammers haven’t made any new signings so far, only signing Tomas Soucek on a permanent basis.
At the moment, they have just two centre-forwards in their ranks. Michail Antonio was in sensational form towards the end of the last campaign and the Englishman looks to have claimed the spot for himself. Sebastian Haller was brought in last summer but the Frenchman managed to score just 7 goals, and misfired for the majority of the campaign.
Apart from them, West Ham don’t have any other strikers. Thus, they should consider signing a centre-forward this summer and Paulo would be a viable option for the club. He is just 19 and has shown immense potential.
Moreover, with the financial crisis created due to the pandemic, it would be wise if the Hammers invested in the youth this summer. Paulo is capable of operating from anywhere across the frontline and he could be a useful signing for the club’s future.
With Haller out of form and Antonio already 30, it is clear that West Ham are in need of strikers for the future. And investing in the youth could help them reap rewards in the future. Thus, they should manage to lure Paulo to London Stadium this summer.
