West Ham United are edging closer to confirming their first summer signing as the Hammers prepare to launch a bid for Vitoria de Guimaraes winger Jota Silva.
Portuguese journalist Sebastiao Sousa Pinto reports that the Irons are planning to submit an offer north of €20 million, which is around the same figure in the Portuguese winger’s release clause.
It appears we have opened talks for the 24-year-old, and he could be our first summer acquisition in what is expected to be a transformative transfer window.
The goal for sporting director Tim Steidten and new manager Julen Lopetegui is to overhaul an ageing squad with several players already halfway through the exit as their contracts expire this summer.
A striker is one of the priorities, and several names have been linked with a move to London Stadium, but a winger could be the first of many recruits to link up with Lopetegui’s squad.
Jota is an exceptional target for the Irons
Replacing David Moyes adds plenty of pressure on Lopetegui’s shoulders to succeed in East London, and anything other than a return to Europe next season could irk the supporters.
So it goes without saying that additions to his squad this summer will be crucial to achieving that goal, but the recruitment team are on the right track if Jota ends up being our first signing.
The Portugal international lit up the Primera Liga in the 2023/24 season, notching 11 goals and six assists in 33 games as Vitoria finished just outside the European places.
His tally extends to 15 goals and seven assists (22 goal contributions) across all competitions, while he also created eight big chances in the league, averaging a key pass per 90 minutes.
Given that we lost Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma without landing any suitable replacement to improve our squad depth last term, Jota could be a bargain signing for us, especially at his asking price.