Everton Join Race With West Ham United For Brazilian Ace: Can He Solve Moyes’ Defensive Headache? | OneFootball

Everton have officially entered the race to sign Flamengo centre-back Léo Pereira. They join West Ham United in keeping tabs on the Brazilian defender. Journalist Felipe Silva, reporting for ESPN Brasil, broke the news.

EvertonTarget Flamengo Star to Bolster Backline

He noted that the Merseyside club reached out to the Rio de Janeiro giants to find out the terms for a potential transfer. Silva clarified that the Toffees have registered their interest. However, talks are still in the early days and haven’t moved to a formal offer yet.

Flamengo are taking a firm stand on their key defender. The club see Pereira as a vital part of the squad for the 2026 campaign. They plan to block any moves during this window. West Ham United also looked into signing the 29-year-old recently. ESPN confirmed that the Hammers made an initial check on the player’s availability. In the end, they decided not to send over a formal proposal.

Flamengo sent the same message to both Premier League sides: they will not sell Pereira. The defender is a locked-in starter under head coach Filipe Luís. He led a backline that local media called the toughest in Brazil throughout 2025. This means club directors see no reason to weaken their defence before the busy run of games.

Analysis: Can Pereira Solve Moyes’ Defensive Headache?

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 30: Léo Pereira of Flamengo holds the trophy on a bus during the celebrations the day after Flamengo won the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2025 on November 30, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Flamengo won their fourth Copa Libertadores with a 1-0 victory over Palmeiras on November 29. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

David Moyes has spent the last year steadying the ship at Everton. Even so, a lack of defensive depth is still a worry at Goodison Park. The manager has seemingly always liked left-footed centre-backs because of how they help the team keep the ball.

Pereira fits that mould perfectly. He is great at playing the ball out from the back. Plus, his time in high-pressure games, like Copa Libertadores finals, suggests he could handle the jump to English football. Moyes often looks for defenders who can win headers and lead the line. Pereira has shown he can do exactly that in South America.

However, getting this deal done won’t be easy. Flamengo holds all the cards. The 29-year-old is under contract until the end of 2027. On top of that, the club set a buyout clause at a massive €60 million for teams abroad.

Everton have to decide if a 29-year-old is worth that kind of money. The player might want a move to the Premier League to land one last big contract. That said, Flamengo’s refusal to budge on the price makes a January move look unlikely.

Everton’s new owners might have to put up a huge bid to change Flamengo’s mind. If they don’t, Moyes might have to look elsewhere for help right now, making this a transfer to look at again in the summer.