West Ham United have pivoted their January striker search towards Brazilian talent Pablo from Gil Vicente, with negotiations now at an advanced stage. The move comes after the London club developed serious reservations over the cost of a deal for their primary target, Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Hammers Cool Interest in Costly Norwegian
The initial plan at the London Stadium involved a significant move for Wolves' Norwegian international, Jørgen Strand Larsen. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo, fighting to keep the club in the Premier League from 18th place, is desperate for attacking reinforcements. Club sources confirmed an opening offer was being prepared earlier this week.
However, the financial demands associated with the deal have caused West Ham to hesitate. Wolves are holding out for a fee in the region of £40 million for the striker, whose personal wage expectations are also considered high. This has prompted the Hammers' recruitment team to explore more affordable alternatives in a critical window.
Brazilian Prodigy Emerges as Prime Target
Their search has led them to the Portuguese Primeira Liga and the form of Gil Vicente's 21-year-old forward, Pablo. The Brazilian has been in sensational form this season, scoring nine goals in just 12 league appearances and propelling his unfancied side to a surprising fourth place in the table.
It is understood that talks for Pablo are progressing positively. Gil Vicente are expected to demand a fee of around €20 million (approximately £17.5 million), a figure far more palatable to the West Ham hierarchy than the Strand Larsen asking price. The player is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, who also acts for West Ham boss Nuno.
Scattergun Search for Firepower
West Ham's urgent need for goals has seen their net cast wide. The club is also close to securing winger Adama Traoré on a free transfer from Fulham. Their search has previously included checks on Crystal Palace's injured Eddie Nketiah, Coventry City duo Ellis Simms and Haji Wright, and Viktoria Plzen's Rafiu Durosinmi.
Currently, Callum Wilson is the only recognised senior striker in Nuno's squad, forcing the manager to deploy wingers Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville in central roles. While a defender remains on the wish-list—with interest in Chelsea's Axel Disasi potentially revived after a failed loan bid for Manchester City's Nathan Aké—the immediate priority is unequivocally attack.
The acquisition of Pablo, while exciting, is viewed internally as one for both the immediate future and longer-term. There is a clear acknowledgement that the young Brazilian, despite his prolific form in Portugal, would require time to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League. For a club four points from safety, however, time is a luxury they cannot afford, making this January window one of their most crucial in recent years.
