Flamengo centre-back Fabrício Bruno has explained his decision to snub a summer switch to West Ham after a late change of heart.
The Brazil international was on course to become the first signing of the Julen Lopetegui era only to back out of a £15million deal as it neared completion.
Standard Sport understands that West Ham did not offer Bruno a significant improvement on his Flamengo contract, both in terms of salary and length of commitment.
Flamengo’s vice-president Marcos Braz claimed in May that Bruno wanted to make the move to West Ham, while his team-mate described the chance to play for a Premier League side as “a dream” for the defender.
Bruno, though, will be staying put. He told Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte: “It’s an extremely private decision. There will be the right moment to talk about it. What I’d like to make clear is that I’m extremely happy here and I’m going to keep working for my club.”
West Ham have turned attention to another Brazilian, with 18-year-old winger Luis Guilherme on Tuesday undergoing a medical ahead of finalising a deal worth more than £20m.
The Palmeiras teenager could be the first of as many as six signings the Hammers make this summer as they revamp the squad ahead of their first season under new manager Lopetegui.
