Why Skint Hammers Missed Out on No1 Target
West Ham failed to sign Fabrício Bruno because they were unwilling to offer him a higher salary than he currently earns at Flamengo, according to The London Evening Standard.
Flamengo centre-back Bruno explained his decision to reject a summer switch to West Ham after having a late change of heart.
The Brazil international was on track to become the first signing of the Julen Lopetegui era but pulled out of a £15 million deal as it neared completion.
West Ham told to wait for Brazilian wing wizard
Standard Sport reports that West Ham did not offer Bruno a significant improvement on his Flamengo contract, both in terms of salary and length of commitment.
In May, Flamengo’s vice-president Marcos Braz claimed that Bruno wanted to move to West Ham, while his teammate described the chance to play for a Premier League side as “a dream” for the defender.
However, Bruno has decided to stay put. He told the Brazilian media: “It’s an extremely private decision. There will be the right moment to talk about it. What I’d like to make clear is that I’m extremely happy here and I’m going to keep working for my club.”
Tim Steidten did not spend much time licking his wounds following the failure to sign Bruno. Not only has the Hammers director of football secured the transfer of Luis Guilherme but the club remain in the hunt for both Wesley and Vitao from the same country.
