Report: West Ham United set to land Brazilian midfielder

Add as preferred source on Google

Premier League outfit West Ham United have seen a bid accepted for Flamengo midfielder Gustavo Cuellar, according to reports in Brazil via the Daily Star.

The 26-year-old is expected to sign a four-year deal at the London Stadium – although he won’t join up with the Hammers until December when the Brazilian campaign finishes.

A Colombian international, Cuellar will sign the contract following this summer’s Copa America which takes place in Brazil.

West Ham will pay £24 million to secure the services of the defensive midfielder. Cuellar has played 97 games in three years with the Brazilian outfit.

Manuel Pellegrini will probably prepare to welcome his new recruit into his plans for the second half of next season.

Cuellar will be paid £33k-a-week during his time at West Ham, according to the report.

TBR Verdict

It’s fair to suggest that the Hammers need some reinforcements in the middle of the park. Declan Rice could well leave and even if he doesn’t it’s not an area that is overly stocked up.

Cuellar isn’t really a household name on these shores but he will arrive with a good pedigree. His reputation is Brazilian football is decent and it will be interesting to watch him adapt to the Premier League.

The 26-year-old won’t be available to Pellegrini until 2020 and that does represent a bit of a problem. After a long, physical season in Brazil, it could take the midfielder some time to get his fitness up to scratch.

Nonetheless, Cuellar looks a smart addition and he hasn’t really broken the West Ham budget either. Pellegrini will have plenty left for reinforcements who can come in and make an immediate impact.