‘Outstanding’ midfielder Pablo Maia reportedly could be picked up by West Ham for just £9 million in the January transfer window.
Described by Sofascore as an ‘outstanding’ talent, Maia would be a very useful addition to Moyes’s ranks at the London Stadium in my opinion.
UOL claim that Hammers boss Moyes wants to bring the Brazilian midfielder to East London this winter.
And it is alleged that the 20-year-old could cost as little as £9 million.
Moyes certainly needs to bolster his central midfield department at the London Stadium in January, with an upgrade on Tomas Soucek now a matter of urgency.
Brazilian midfielder Maia is one of the most highly sought after young players in South America. But what’s the lowdown on the Sao Paulo ace?
Who is ‘outstanding’ midfielder West Ham could sign for just £9m?
Pablo Maia was born in Brasoplois Brazil in January 2002.
He began his career with Independente de Limeira as an 11-year-old before moving to Portuguesa Santista in 2016.
Maia then joined Sao Paulo in and the young midfielder has not looked back since, making 61 appearances for the Brazilian giants.
He is a defensive midfielder by trade and excels at breaking up the opposition’s play through the middle of the park. He has been labelled a ‘mini Casemiro’ by Football Talent Scout.
Maia’s contract with Sao Paulo expires in 12 month’s time, and the Brazilian side are trying to move him on in the January transfer window, rather than risk losing him for nothing this time next year (UOL).
Sao Paulo chief Muricy Ramalho offered an insight into what Maia is all about as a player, when speaking to Brazilian website Sampi earlier this year:
Pablo Maia plays as the (deep-lying) midfielder. He gives security to our defence. He has a good pass too. He’s not just about marking (opposition forwards). Nowadays, the midfielder has to play too, and he has a good pass. Of course, he does the simple things but he keeps the ball. He gives stability to Sao Paulo.
The 20-year-old sounds like exactly the kind of player the Hammers need in the middle of the park.
Moyes absolutely must sign an upgrade on Tomas Soucek, if he is to guide us to any kind of success over the next few years.
And West Ham signing Pablo Maia in the January transfer window would be a real forward step for the club in my opinion.
For just £9 million, it seems like a deal that Moyes cannot afford to pass up on this winter.
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