Amid growing pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham United, the club are reportedly targeting a £26m deal for young Brazilian defender Alexsandro Victor de Souza Ribeiro ahead of the January transfer window.
The east London side have identified Alexsandro as a key part of their defensive rebuild, in response to their difficult start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
With West Ham floundering and the board keen to demonstrate support for their new manager, the move signals intent amid growing unease over results and performances.
Alexsandro, 26, has been making waves in Ligue 1 with Lille OSC, where his performances earned him a recent call-up to the Brazil national team and attracted the attention of clubs across Europe.
West Ham discover Alexsandro’s price
Under contract until the summer of 2026, the Brazilian’s valuation is said to be around £26 million, according to ESPN Brazil.
Although Alexsandro is said to be in favor of a move to a big English club, his representatives have indicated that the timing must be right, not only for the player’s development, but also for his national team prospects.
The Hammers find themselves 19th in the Premier League after a run of poor results and defensive weaknesses, and the board appears to view January as a pivotal window to stabilize the season.
With Espirito Santo still looking to secure their first Premier League win, strengthening the squad has taken on added importance.
Alexsandro is a versatile defender
Internally, West Ham’s recruitment department view the deal as suitable as it offers a mix of immediate impact and future value.
Alexsandro’s ability to play both central defense and left center in a three-man defense adds tactical flexibility, while his comfort in possession reflects modern defensive demands.
Although the defender has reservations about a move to the Premier League as he feels it would take him a long time to settle into a new league and environment, the Hammers are confident of bringing him to the club to sort out their defensive issues.
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