West Ham United show interest in signing Flamengo centre-back Léo Ortiz
western ham United have shown interest in signing Brazilian centre-back Léo Ortiz from Flamengo to reinforce Julen Lopetegui's defence, according to the Brazilian journalist. Bruno Lemos.
The 28-year-old has been an ever-present figure in Filipe Luís' defense this season, making 41 appearances in all competitions. His commanding presence at the back has helped Mengão keep four clean sheets in his last four games in the Brazilian Serie A.
according to let'sOrtiz's performances have sparked the interest of West Ham, who have identified the Brazilian as a main target for the January window.
However, the Hammers face stiff competition from Italian sides Juventus and Fiorentina, who have also joined the race to sign the experienced centre-back, according to the Brazilian. transfer guru.
The 28-year-old has a contract with the seven-time Brazilian champions until 2028 worth €9m (£7m) per Transfer market – a fee that is well within the Hammers' reach.
Experienced Central
West Ham have had a mixed start in 2024-25 first division Campaign. After spending €144 (£120m) in the transfer window, sitting in 12th place after seven games with just two wins recorded so far is not where the Hammers expected to be at this point in the season.
Although a convincing 4-1 win over newly promoted Ipswich Town may have taken the pressure off Lopetegui after a five-match winless run, the team's overall cohesion remains a worrying concern.
One of the areas of the field that has been problematic has been the defense. The Hammers have kept just two clean sheets in nine games in all competitions and have conceded 11 goals in the Premier League, the third-most of any team in the top 15.
Despite adding Maximilian Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo to his defense in the summer, adding an experienced top defender like Ortiz would provide Lopetegui's backline with much-needed coordination.
With the report adding that the east London club had attempted to sign him in previous windows, it seems the time could be right to make a concrete offer for the Brazilian ace to help salve their defensive concerns in the winter transfer window.
