Hammers Launch Ambitious Portuguese Raid
West Ham United are making waves in the transfer market with an aggressive pursuit of four Primeira Liga stars, as confirmed by Crickex sources. The East London club is negotiating deals for Porto’s explosive duo Moussa Marega and Yacine Brahimi, Benfica’s wonderkid João Félix, and Vitoria Guimaraes’ rising star Xande Silva. A high-level Hammers delegation is currently in Portugal to finalize these moves while establishing strategic partnerships with Porto and Benfica—a clear signal of their long-term vision under David Moyes.
Breaking Down West Ham’s Primeira Liga Targets
The Proven Performers: Marega & Brahimi
Moussa Marega (Porto) – The Malian international has terrorized defenses since his 2015 arrival in Portugal. Last season’s 23-goal haul in 38 games showcases his clinical finishing and physical dominance. As former Premier League scout Tim Vickery notes: “Marega’s blend of power and precision makes him ideal for England’s physical leagues.”
Yacine Brahimi (Porto) – The Algerian magician brings 40 career goals and creative flair from the wings. His four years as a Porto regular demonstrate consistency at the highest level, including Champions League experience—a valuable asset for West Ham‘s European ambitions.
The Rising Stars: Félix & Silva
João Félix (Benfica) – At just 18, this Portuguese U21 international is Europe’s most coveted young midfielder. Crickex understands Borussia Dortmund and two unnamed Premier League rivals were outmaneuvered by West Ham‘s early move. His €120m release clause suggests Benfica’s sky-high valuation.
Xande Silva (Vitoria Guimaraes) – The 21-year-old forward, already in England for medicals, represents Portugal’s next generation. His versatility across the frontline and 12 youth international caps make him a shrewd long-term investment.
Tactical Implications for West Ham
This Portuguese influx signals a tactical shift:
- Marega offers a target-man alternative to Arnautović
- Brahimi provides width in Moyes’ preferred 4-2-3-1
- Félix could develop into the central playmaker role
- Silva adds depth to cup competition rotations
Why This Transfer Strategy Makes Sense
- Market Value: Primeira Liga talents typically offer better value than Premier League-proven players
- Resale Potential: Youngsters like Félix and Silva could appreciate significantly
- Style Adaptation: Portuguese football’s technical focus eases Premier League transition
As Crickex can exclusively reveal, these negotiations also include partnership clauses for future talent access—a growing trend among Premier League clubs following Man City’s City Football Group model.
The Bigger Picture: West Ham’s New Era
This ambitious recruitment drive demonstrates:
- Willingness to compete for emerging talents against European giants
- Strategic focus on leagues with high talent concentration
- Long-term planning beyond immediate survival battles
With Marega and Brahimi potentially available for £35m combined (per Record Portugal), West Ham could secure proven quality while betting on future stars—a balanced approach that excites the London Stadium faithful.
Will these Portuguese imports propel West Ham into top-half contention? Share your thoughts below and follow Crickex for exclusive transfer updates!
