After two years of relative obscurity, West Ham United’s mystery man is embracing the chance to finally show what he is all about away from his Premier League employers.
And while the proverbial ship may be a fading dot on the horizon these days in terms of his chances of a regular role in Graham Potter’s first-team, at least Luizao is using that spell over in Poland as an opportunity to get his career back on the right track.
Luizao made his first league appearance in three years shortly after joining Pogon Szczecin on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
The former Sao Paulo starlet had not made a single senior appearance in a West Ham United shirt from January 2023 to his mid-season switch to the Polish Ekstraklasa.
At a crossroads in his young career – Luizao turned 23 in March, and now must make the next step as he outgrows youth team football – the forgotten man of the London Stadium should now head into the summer with his reputation having enjoyed at least some semblance of a boost.
Then again, up to nine clubs wanted Luizao in the January transfer window already. Clearly, admirers are not in short supply.
Polish press explain Luizao qualities as West Ham United loanee shines
Pogon Szczecin coach Robert Kolendowicz was full of praise for Luizao last week, the West Ham loanee catching the eye in a 3-0 hammering of Motor Lublin.
Another clean sheet would not be forthcoming last weekend – a thrilling 3-3 draw with Lechia Gdansk – but the 6ft 2ins, left-sided central defender again earned plenty of praise as he stepped in for the suspended Leo Borges.
Though whether Kolendowicz opts to re-introduce Borges now that his suspension is over, or keep Luizao in the XI, may go a long way to determining the success of his loan spell.
“[Leo Borges] has ended his suspension for a red card and has a good chance of playing from the start. However, Luizao, who replaced him, rose to the challenge,” GS24 write, before going on to rattle off a number of attributes which have enabled the South American to stand out in his new, albeit temporary, home.
“He is strong, jumpy [strong in the air], and can keep the ball. He also has a better physical condition, which is not without significance.”
Pogon Szczecin travel to face Jagiellonia Bialystok on Saturday. GS24 are backing Luizao to start again, and hold his own up against the burly Angolan centre-forward Afimico Pululu.
Luizao could be exchanged for Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto
In the meantime, speculation continues to swirl about Luizao’s future beyond the summer.
According to reports, West Ham may offer Luizao to Corinthians as part of the deal which would see Brazil international striker Yuri Alberto move in the other direction.
Yuri Alberto has more goals than Raphinha and Vinicius Jr since the start of 2024 – the most prolific Brazilian across the globe – and remains on West Ham’s radar two years after the Premier League outfit saw a £15 million bid rejected.
“The idea of signing a defender is a priority at Corinthians,” reporter Jorge Nicola explains, believing that Corinthians may be tempted by the idea of bringing Luizao back to Brazil.
“For that reason, there could be some type of negotiation [with West Ham involving Yuri Alberto].”
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