Report: Player Poised to Leave Club Following West Ham Bid
Julio Miguel Neto: Rennes Likely to Match West Ham United’s £11.6 Million Bid for Brazilian Defender Fabricio Bruno
The Brazilian journalist posted on X, reporting that Bruno is set to leave Flamengo on Wednesday, August 7, as he decides whether to join West Ham or Ligue 1 side Rennes.
West Ham have offered £11.6 million plus £1.3 million in add-ons for the centre-back, while Rennes is expected to increase their bid to match the proposal from the London club.
Bruno previously turned down a move to West Ham earlier this summer after personal terms fell through (ESPN Brazil, June 3). However, he has reportedly agreed to a four-year deal with Rennes following negotiations in São Paulo.
West Ham Could Still Secure Fabricio Bruno Transfer
Despite Bruno having better success negotiating with Rennes than with West Ham’s Tim Steidten in June, West Ham’s interest in the Brazilian defender remains strong.
The Hammers still seem to have an advantage over Rennes in their pursuit of Bruno. Even if Rennes matches West Ham’s current bid of £11.6 million, West Ham could potentially outspend them.
Centre-backs are a priority for Julen Lopetegui this summer (Dharmesh Sheth, August 7). Although the Spaniard brought in former Wolves captain Max Kilman after Bruno’s initial rejection, Lopetegui is expected to add another defender.
If Bruno moves to West Ham, he would join fellow Brazilian Luis Guilherme and another South American, Guido Rodriguez, who has also recently joined the project.
This effort is part of West Ham’s strategy to build a new-look defense ahead of the Premier League season.
Securing Bruno from under Rennes’ noses would signal that the Hammers are serious about their ambitions.
