Porto star Francisco Conceicao is thought to be a transfer target for West Ham United this summer.
The 21-year-old winger has emerged as a surprise target for Julen Lopetegui, as the West Ham boss continues his assault on the transfer market this summer.
The Hammers head coach has already strengthened his squad considerably, but much more work is needed if his team is to be competitive on all fronts this season.
Lopetegui is thought to be prioritising the additions of attacking reinforcements now, and Conceicao would certainly be a hugely exciting signing for West Ham.
He is extremely highly rated in his homeland, and he batted away accusations of nepotism under former Porto boss Sergio Conceicao – his father – with his superb performances.
The Portuguese youngster clearly has what it takes to make it at the very highest level of the game, and he apparently could be set for a big move away from the Primeira Liga this summer.
Could a move to the London Stadium really be on the cards for the Porto star though?
West Ham want ‘incredible’ winger Francisco Conceicao
The Porto ace is firmly on the Hammers’ radar by all accounts, but something doesn’t add up.
According to a report from O Jogo, West Ham are one of the clubs interested in signing the incredibly talented 21-year-old Portugal international.
However, as of Monday July 15th, his release clause will rise from £25 million to £38 million, so Lopetegui had better move fast if he does indeed want to sign him.
Described by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez as an ‘incredible player’ (TNT Sports), Conceicao really does have it all.
He is an elite young talent and proved his worth on the biggest stage with Portugal out in Germany at Euro 2024 this summer.
The 21-year-old was exceptional for Porto last season as well, with eight goals and eight assists in 43 appearances to his name.
The mere fact that the Hammers are being linked with players like the Porto attacker is a sign of our ambition as a club.
That said, something’s not right here. I don’t believe we’ll be signing Conceicao this summer for one very simple reason, and it’s not his hefty price-tag…
Something doesn’t add up
There’s something not quite right about this rumour as far as I’m concerned.
Lopetegui needs to bolster his ranks at the London Stadium in pretty much every department this summer.
However, one area where the Spaniard is particularly well stocked is the right wing department. He has a plethora of left-footed right sided attackers at his disposal, with Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and Luis Guilherme all currently at the London Stadium.
With that in mind, it would make absolutely no sense for the Hammers to go out and drop a big fee on ANOTHER left-footed right winger.
I would be hugely shocked if West Ham signed Francisco Conceicao this summer. The only way it could possibly happen would be if Lopetegui was forced into selling either Kudus or Bowen.
I really can’t see either of those players leaving the London Stadium, at least not until next year.
Conceicao may well be set for a Porto exit over the next six weeks, but I have no doubts that the London Stadium will not be his next destination.
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