Fortaleza target Premier League defender in surprise move | OneFootball

Fortaleza have opened talks over a loan move for Luizão, the former São Paulo centre-back currently with West Ham, according to Arquibancada Tricolor. The Brazilian club is targeting a deal that would see Luizão join until the end of the 2025 season, aiming to bolster their defensive options for the second half of the year.

Luizão came through São Paulo’s academy at Cotia and made his mark before moving to England in 2023, signing with West Ham. He spent last season on loan in Poland with Pogon Szczecin, where his spell came to an end in June. With his immediate future at West Ham uncertain, Fortaleza are looking to capitalize, proposing an initial loan arrangement and expected to formalize their offer in the coming days.

Fortaleza, known as Leão do Pici, have prioritized defensive reinforcements after assessing their squad needs for the remainder of the Brazilian league season. Should negotiations progress as planned, Luizão would provide both top-flight experience from Brazil and additional exposure gained during his recent time in European football.

Luizão’s emergence at São Paulo established him as a promising product of the club’s youth academy, but his opportunities in England have been limited. The potential move to Fortaleza would mark a return to Brazilian football, where he would look to recapture form and gain regular playing time.

For São Paulo, who continue to track their former academy products, Luizão’s possible return to Brazil is notable but does not involve the club directly, with the centre-back now contracted to West Ham. His trajectory highlights a growing trend of young Brazilian defenders exploring Europe before returning home in search of minutes and career continuity.

(Source: Arquibancada Tricolor)

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