Wesley Gassova transfer latest: Liverpool 'interest', West Ham 'talks', coach's verdict, price tag
West Ham have reportedly opened talks to sign Liverpool-linked Wesley Gassova. The Reds are said to be keeping tabs on his progress amid interest from European teams ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting players in Brazil after coming through at Corinthians. Wesley joined the club at the age of 11 and made his debut for the senior team at the age of 17 in the Copa do Brasil draw with Portuguesa in 2022.
He has since been involved in the first-team and has made 61 appearances to date. In addition to Liverpool, the youngster has reportedly attracted the interest from a host of European clubs including Atletico Madrid and Real Betis.
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Liverpool are believed to be prioritising a wide player this summer, with Michael Edwards clearly seeing the position as an area that needs strengthening. Wesley is claimed to fit what Liverpool are looking for. The Reds have reportedly kept tabs on his progress at Corinthians and reports in Brazil suggest that they are one of the clubs to have 'asked' about the youngster.
However, The Standard adds that the Hammers are keen to beat rivals to his signature and have started negotiations early. West Ham are looking to add to their ranks to ease the burden on Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
Meanwhile, Lucas Paqueta's future at the London Stadium beyond the summer is uncertain, as Manchester City remain interested. With that said, the ECHO has taken a look at the latest surrounding Wesley.
Contract details
Corinthians are said to have valued Wesley at £26m, with him under contract until 2027. However, the Standard adds that the Brazilian side only own 70 per cent of the player's rights.
The other 30 per cent is believed to belong to the winger's representatives.
What his coach Antonio Oliveira has said
He said: "He is a player who takes us far ahead [in games] due to his skills. We have to be patient, he is only 19 years old, the best thing for his development would be to stay here for another year or two.
"He has learnt a lot on the pitch, sometimes he's can be a little lazy but he'll learn. Everyone has their own characteristics and he has his own but it would be good for him to stay with us for some time to become a better person and the better person he becomes, the better professional we will have. I have a fantastic squad."
Wesley's abilities
He has the ability to operate in different positions, such as both flanks, though he primarily plays as a right-footed left winger. One of the things that stand out in the winger is his ability to run at opponents with the ball at his feet.
He has a 15.37 dribbles per 90 minutes, which is topped by Premier League leader Jeremy Doku of Manchester City on 12.93. Wesley also leads the way with 10.52 successful dribbles ahead of Doku (10.44), Burnley's Luca Koleosho (6.92) and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze (5.46).