West Ham man admits his 2023 transfer ‘hurt the fans’ as he opens door to Hammers exit

Not all transfers are created equal, as the similarities and stark differences between an ill-fated West Ham United deal and an inspired piece of business from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest shows.

In the space of just eight months, Forest and the Hammers completed two deals which, for obvious reasons, had a lot in common.

Nottingham Forest brought a promising young Brazilian defender by the name of Murillo to the City Ground back in August 2023.

Two years on, if Nuno Espirito Santo was to cash in on Murillo today amid reported interest from Real Madrid, well, let’s just say the Spanish giants would not get much change out of £70 million.

If any, that is.

West Ham United, in contrast, have next to no chance of making any sort of a profit themselves. Because while Murillo has blossomed into one of the most impressive, most complete central defenders in Europe, Luizao’s long wait for a Premier League debut goes on.

No wonder Luizao appears keen to leave West Ham this summer. Two-and-a-half years and zero first-team minutes after his £4 million arrival from Sao Paulo.

Former Sao Paulo ace Luizao opens up on West Ham United move

Speaking last month, the forgotten man of the London Stadium opened up on his future plans.

Luizao has no regrets about seizing such an opportunity, even if things have clearly not worked out for him like they have for Murillo at Forest.

But, admitting that he and his representatives are open to both temporary and permanent offers, Luizao appears destined to leave English football without ever featuring in a Premier League match.

In conversation with Lance, meanwhile, the now-23-year-old centre-back is refusing to rule a return to Brazil, even if the bridge back to Sao Paulo is yet to be rebuilt.