Fabricio Bruno, a center back for Flamengo, is on the verge of joining West Ham United.
Fabricio Bruno, a center back for Flamengo, is on the verge of joining West Ham United.
The defender would become Julen Lopetegui’s first signing after the Spaniard was confirmed as West Ham’s new head coach earlier this month. West Ham are also close to signing Wes Foderingham on a free transfer with the goalkeeper set to leave relegated Sheffield United upon the expiration of his contract at the end of next month.
Before joining Flamengo in February 2022, Bruno played for Cruzeiro, Chapecoense, and RB Bragantino throughout his entire playing career in Brazil.
With 114 games, the defender has helped Flamengo win the 2022 Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Cup.
He has played twice for the Brazil national team; on March 23 at Wembley, in the 1-0 victory over England, he received his first cap. Bruno was left off of Dorival Junior’s 23-man tentative Copa America team for 2024.
‘No surprise West Ham are targeting defenders’
Analysis from West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas
It should come as no surprise that Fabricio Bruno, a defender, will be Lopetegui’s first summer acquisition.
West Ham’s defense was weak last season. They allowed 74 goals in the Premier League, which is the fourth-highest amount after Burnley (78), Sheffield United (104), and Luton Town (85). West Ham only gave up 55 goals in the league in 2022–2023.
With Angelo Ogbonna scheduled to go this summer when his contract ends and Nayef Aguerd drawing interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, strengthening the core of the defense will be Lopetegui’s top focus.
(Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
