West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Brazilian centreback Luizao on a free transfer, with the 20-year-old set to join Mark Robson's Under-21 side.
With an eye on the future, David Moyes' side have snapped up Luizao ahead of the opening of the January transfer window, with the defender joining immediately at the start of the new year.
Speculation increased earlier this week after Luizao took to Instagram to say goodbye to Brazilian side Sao Paulo after, as a move to the London Stadium edged closer.
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And on Sunday afternoon, the Hammers confirmed the move and added that he will not join up with the first-team straight away, instead making the switch to the development side as he adapts to England and gets used to his new surroundings.
A club statement said : "West Ham United is pleased to confirm that a deal has been agreed to sign promising Brazilian defender Luizão.
The 20-year-old will join the Hammers from São Paulo on 1 January 2023, subject to international clearance, on a contract until the summer of 2026.
"A centre-back, Luizão made his senior debut in May and has since made 20 first-team appearances and helped São Paulo reach the final of the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Do Brasil semi-finals.
"The 6’2 player will initially join Mark Robson’s developmental squad and continue his evolution at the Academy of Football.
"Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Luizão to the Club and wish him every success in his career in Claret and Blue."
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