Fabrizio Romano has given West Ham their first ‘here we go’ of many this summer as the Hammers complete transfer.
ITK transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano is well known for his catchphrase ‘here we go’.
And West Ham fans will be hearing that a lot this summer.
Romano only drops the line when a deal is set in stone.
With Hammers technical director Tim Steidten and new head coach Julen Lopetegui looking to make eight or nine signings, Romano could be an equally busy boy following West Ham’s dealings.
Realistically West Ham need to sign at least two new centre-backs, full-backs on both sides, a wide forward, striker, third choice goalkeeper and midfielder as a minimum.
Steidten in no mood to dilly dally
Reports in the last two weeks have suggested Steidten has been extremely active getting players lined up for West Ham’s new head coach.
The German had a priority to ensure the two centre-backs and a striker were the first signings he sorted for West Ham’s big rebuild.
Well the good news is one of those centre-backs is done and dusted.
Because that man Romano has given West Ham their first ‘here we go’ of many this summer.
Last week Hammers News reported on Romano’s claim that West Ham were working on a deal to sign centre-back Fabricio Bruno from Flamengo.
Romano gives West Ham their first ‘here we go’ of many
Steidten was in ‘advanced talks’ to finalise the transfer after Bruno, 28, agreed terms on a move.
Top Brazilian journalist Vene Casagrande then confirmed the £12.8m West Ham signing but claimed Bruno would have to play in Flamengo’s Copa do Brasil clash with Amazonas – which he duly did – and an important Copa Libertadores match against Millonarios on Wednesday before signing a five-year deal with the Hammers.
Earlier today we reported the Bruno deal was now all but confirmed after something Flamengo did.
Now the Bruno signing has been given the ‘here we go’ treatment by Romano.
“Fabricio Bruno to West Ham, here we go!” Romano said.
“Verbal agreement now in place between West Ham and Flamengo for 28 year old centre back.
“Exclusive details: €12m fixed fee (£10.2m) plus €1.5m (£1.3) add-ons. Brazilian CB will be first signing for Lopetegui at West Ham.”
Bruno cannot officially join West Ham until the international transfer window opens on July 1st.
But there is nothing stopping the Hammers from announcing his capture before then.
Although talk is that the club want to line up several signings ready to unveil on July 1st.
Attentions now turn to who the other two players West Ham are said to be close to signing might be.
Fabricio Bruno profile
There have been concerns raised by some fans about Bruno’s age.
West Ham signing a 28-year-old who has only ever played in Brazil is something of a gamble.
But the 6ft 4in star is very much a physical, brave, whole-hearted defender who has everything needed to become a real Hammers cult hero – if he can adapt.
West Ham are getting a real leader of men whose key strengths are positioning, concentration, tackling and passing.
He is the epitome of no-nonsense and will replace the outgoing Angelo Ogbonna.
It remains to be seen whether he is being signed to partner Konstantinos Mavropanos or Kurt Zouma.
Bruno has been a standout performer, not just for Flamengo but in the Brazilian league in the last year.
He joins a growing Brazilian influence at West Ham.
Watch him in action in the video below.