A star linked with West Ham all summer joins Saudi club Al-Ittihad in £20m deadline day deal as Nayef Aguerd alternative.
Almost two months ago to the day reports abound that West Ham were on the verge of signing Brazil-born defender Luiz Felipe from Real Betis.
Links to Felipe ignited shortly after the arrival of new technical director Tim Steidten at West Ham.
And things seemed to progress rapidly to the point that the hot-headed centre-back’s arrival at West Ham was being reported as “imminent”.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported the Hammers were about to announce a deal to sign Felipe back in July.
The 26-year-old, who has been capped once by Italy, has been playing under Manuel Pellegrini at Betis since the ex West Ham boss signed him from Lazio last summer.
After weeks of almost incessant speculation the move never materialised, though.
And according to AS, West Ham decided to spend their money on Konstantinos Mavropanos instead.
Star linked with West Ham all summer joins Saudi club Al-Ittihad in £20m deadline day deal as Nayef Aguerd alternative
Since then West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad.
The mega rich club has been trying to lure Aguerd to Saudi on the promise of an £8.5m annual salary.
There have been fears Al-Ittihad would make an offer West Ham would find too good to turn down before their transfer window closes on Thursday night at 10pm.
But now star Felipe who was linked with West Ham all summer has joined Saudi club Al-Ittihad in a £20m deadline day deal as their Aguerd alternative.
The signing of Felipe has been confirmed by transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano this evening with a full announcement video.
And that surely means Aguerd will be staying at West Ham – for this season at least.