Doesn’t former Manchester United, Barcelona and Lyon winger Memphis Depay feel so much like a typical West Ham United signing?
A big name on big money. A high-profile 31-year-old who, despite clearly moving past his peak a while ago, is inexplicably afforded one last head-spinning contract by a West Ham United outfit once again bewitched by a glittering reputation.
Fortunately, the Premier League outfit appear to have learned their lessons, and not a moment too soon.
A club source recently informed Hammers News that West Ham plan to ‘reinvent’ Graham Potter’s squad this summer. Constructing a new roster upon the foundations of young, hungry talent with considerable re-sale potential.
The days of ill-advised, short-term, low-return investments such as Patrice Evra, Alvaro Arbeloa, Carlos Sanchez, Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez are gone.
So while Memphis Depay did find himself on West Ham’s radar last summer, per Give Me Sport, those currently in charge of recruitment at the London Stadium appear to be embracing a more sustainable, long-term vision these days.
As for Memphis, West Ham’s forgotten man Luiz Gustavo Oliveira da Silva – or Luizao, as he is better known – has the 102-cap Dutch veteran to blame after a purported return to Brazilian football slipped through his grasp back in 2024.
Luizao’s West Ham United exit was scuppered by Memphis Depay
Speaking to UOL Esporte, Luizao confirms that a move to Corinthians had been approved despite suggestions that West Ham rejected a £2.5 million bid from the Brazilian giants.
The deal failed to materialise, he says, primarily because Corinthians were placing all their focus on bringing a 31-year-old Memphis to the Neo Quimica Arena instead.
“[The transfer] ended up not happening because Corinthians were going through a difficult time in the attacking department,” Luizao recalls. “There were negotiations, but they prioritised the attack and ended up signing Memphis, who brought results.
Memphis eventually arrived from Atletico Madrid. He scored 13 goals, provided 14 assists, and claimed the Campeonato Paulista title during his first year outside of European football.
“[The move to Corinthians] had already been approved by me and West Ham, but their priority at that moment was something else,” Luizao adds. “I had to understand, there wasn’t much I could do about it.”
Former Sao Paulo man open to Brazil return after Hammers spell
A £4 million addition from Sao Paulo, the West Ham misfit recently made his first appearance since 2022 as Luizao enjoyed an impressive loan spell in Poland with Pogon Szczecin.
Now 23 years of age, Luizao is keeping the door ajar to clubs based in Brazil’s top flight as his contract at the London Stadium runs down.
Luizao has played over 50 games for West Ham at Under-21 level. He did not play a single minute of senior football, however, under Graham Potter, Julen Lopetegui and David Moyes.
“I haven’t ruled anything out for now,” Luizao adds. “Today, Brazil has become a great showcase [for young players], even thinking about the national team. The coaches have been looking here a lot.
“I can’t say that my priority is to return. Nothing is my priority for now. I am open to any negotiations that happen.”
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