West Ham have announced the signing of Brazilian defender Luizao from Sao Paolo.
The 20-year-old centre-back will join the Hammers on a free transfer on January 1 and has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at the London Stadium.
Luizao will initially join the West Ham Under-21 squad and is not expected to play for the senior side this season.
He made his senior debut for Sao Paolo in May and has since made 20 first-team appearances, helping Sao Paulo reach the final of the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Do Brasil semi-finals.
A West Ham statement said: “West Ham United is pleased to confirm that a deal has been agreed to sign promising Brazilian defender Luizao.
“The 20-year-old will join the Hammers from Sao Paulo on January 1, 2023, subject to international clearance, on a contract until the summer of 2026.
“Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Luizão to the Club and wish him every success in his career in Claret and Blue.”
After West Ham spent around £175million in the summer transfer window, it is difficult to see the club making major new signings in January.
The Hammers went into the World Cup just a point clear of the relegation zone.
