€13.5m deal agreed for Fabricio Bruno to become Julen Lopetegui's first signing as West Ham manager
The 28-year-old will be the fifth Brazilian to play for the Hammers in the Premier League.
Julen Lopetegui’s first signing as West Ham United manager will be 28-year-old Brazil international Fabricio Bruno.
Lopetegui was confirmed as the new Hammers boss last week shortly after David Moyes had vacated the position.
The former Spain, Real Madrid and Wolves chief has a strong reputation for coaching a watertight defence.
It is therefore perhaps unsurprising that his first move in the transfer market this summer will see him recruit a centre-back.
West Ham have reached a verbal agreement with Brazilian club Flamengo for the transfer of Bruno.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via X.com late on Monday night, West Ham will pay Flamengo a fixed fee of €12 million.
With add-ons, the deal could eventually cost the Hammers as much as €13.5m.
Romano tweeted: “Fabricio Bruno to West Ham, here we go!
“Verbal agreement now in place between West Ham and Flamengo for 28 year old centre back.
“Exclusive details: €12m fixed fee plus €1.5m add-ons.
“Brazilian CB will be first signing for Lopetegui at #WHUFC.”
When he makes his debut, Bruno will become the fifth Brazilian to play for West Ham in the Premier League era.
The first was Ilan back in 2010, followed by Nene in 2015, and then Felipe Anderson - who produced 10 goals and eight assists in 63 Premier League games between 2018 and 2021.
West Ham currently have another Brazilian in their squad in the shape of Lucas Paqueta.
However, Paqueta may not be available to Lopetegui at the start of next season after he was recently charged by the Football Association with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of betting rules.
As explained by Romano in Friday’s Daily Briefing, Paqueta is accused of deliberately trying to get a yellow card on multiple occasions in an attempt to influence betting markets.