West Ham United could complete dream January signing for £26m – Report | OneFootball

West Ham prioritise Lille defender Alexsandro in January transfer push

West Ham eye defensive reinforcements

West Ham are preparing to strengthen their defence in January, with Lille centre-back Alexsandro emerging as their top target, according to ESPN. The Brazilian defender, valued at over €30 million by the French club, has impressed with his composure and ball-playing ability in Ligue 1.

At 26, Alexsandro has established himself as one of Lille’s most consistent performers, attracting attention from across Europe. However, the report suggests that the player “still has doubts about the timing of a move to the Premier League,” given his ambitions to cement a spot in Brazil’s squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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The former Flamengo youth player is wary that adapting to English football mid-season could impact his international prospects. He is currently competing for one of the final centre-back spots under Carlo Ancelotti, alongside Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Beraldo and Léo Ortiz.

Brazilian interest and European pedigree

Saudi Arabian clubs, including Al Nassr, have also shown interest in Alexsandro, but the player reportedly prefers a move within Europe. He joined Lille in 2022 after spells in Portugal with SC Praiense, Amora FC and Chaves, and is under contract until June 2028.

For West Ham, his signing would represent both an investment in defensive stability and a nod towards a longer-term rebuild under Nuno Espirito Santo. With the Hammers juggling domestic and European commitments, a defender of Alexsandro’s pedigree could bring the calmness and leadership they have occasionally lacked.

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For West Ham fans, this report will be greeted with excitement. The club’s interest in a defender of Alexsandro’s calibre signals genuine ambition. After recent inconsistency at the back, many supporters have called for a commanding presence who can organise and play confidently under pressure.

Alexsandro’s mix of experience and technical quality fits perfectly with what fans crave from a modern centre-back. His performances for Lille have shown intelligence in reading the game and an ability to distribute from deep.

Supporters will also take encouragement from the fact that the club are moving early, aiming to secure signings before competition heats up. West Ham’s European success has raised expectations, and a player with Alexsandro’s international potential would match those ambitions.

There will, of course, be concern about his adaptation to English football, especially given his own hesitations. The Premier League’s physicality and tempo have unsettled many new arrivals. But with the right integration and the atmosphere at London Stadium, fans will believe he can thrive.

If this move materialises, it would represent a step forward in West Ham’s project, one that balances European aspirations with domestic progress. For now, excitement outweighs doubt.