West Ham United are reportedly close to signing the Iberian Jamie Vardy in a stunning £17m deal that promises to be a bargain.
Everybody loves a rags to riches underdog story and West Ham have their own one in Michail Antonio.
But in England nothing tops Jamie Vardy who, like Antonio, went from non-league to Premier League.
While West Ham were enjoying a fantastic season as Dimitri Payet, Antonio and co helped say a fond farewell to Upton Park, Vardy went and did the unthinkable, though.
He led little old Leicester to the most surprising title triumph in football history in 2015/16.
The Leicester City striker credits non-league football with playing a crucial role in his career success.
The Red Bull-drinking, Ginsters-eating striker was released as a teenager by his beloved Sheffield Wednesday.
How West Ham could do with a Vardy
But he rediscovered his passion for the game in the lower leagues with the likes of Stocksbridge Park Steels, Halifax Town and Fleetwood.
Vardy must go down as one of the biggest bargains of all-time, costing Leicester just £1m.
The rest, as they say, is history.
How West Ham could do with a bargain or two like that?
Well they will be paying a touch more but may have a modern day version on their hands soon it seems.
Because West Ham are close to signing the Iberian Vardy in a stunning £17m bargain deal.
West Ham close on Iberian Vardy in £17m bargain
There have been some fantastic players with the surname Silva in the Premier League.
The Hammers will be hoping another will join that list as they ‘close in’ on signing Jota Silva.
Earlier this week Portuguese journalist Sebastiao Sousa Pinto exclusively reported that West Ham were close to signing Silva from Vitoria Guimaraes for his 20m Euros (£17m) release clause.
“Deal is well underway, and Jota prepares himself to leave VSC, after an incredible season,” Pinto said.
“15 goals and 7 assists in all competitions. Long term contract awaits. Nothing done/agreed yet – soon.”
Now Claret and Hugh are claiming that deal is nearing a conclusion as 24-year-old Silva looks set to be one of three new West Ham signings the club want to unveil by July 1st.
But why is Silva the Iberian Vardy?
Well their footballing career path has been remarkably similar.
Silva was born in Gondomar, Porto on the Iberian peninsula.
But he only made his professional senior football debut less than four years ago.
The Hammers wing wizard target started his senior career in the third division, with UD Sousense and S.C. Espinho.
On a Silva platter?
In July 2020, Silva signed for LigaPro club Leixões SC and made his professional debut two months later.
His first goals came on 16 October, a brace in the 3–1 win over Varzim SC. He hasn’t looked back since, going on to sign for Casa Pia Late in the 2021 January transfer window.
Silva scored 11 goals to help his team return to the Primeira Liga for the first time in EIGHTY-THREE years.
That prompted Vitoria to sign Silva and he finally made his top-flight debut on 7 August 2022.
The man West Ham are reportedly about to sign has flourished in the Portguese top flight, earning his first two caps for the national team this year.
Silva has come to the game late and is making up for lost time.
His story and rise is very much likened to that of Vardy in Portugal. He who has also made it to the very top by playing for his country.
He looks like Jack Grealish but has all the hallmarks of a player who appreciates the platform he now has with his desire and hunger to score and make goals.
West Ham will be getting an extremely versatile player for their money.
Silva can play on either wing, in central attacking midfield and as a striker.
Let’s hope the Hammers can get this one over the line.
You can check him out in action below.