West Ham United have reportedly identified Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento as a primary target for the January transfer window. Such a move sparks a potential bidding war with Serie A side Genoa.
West Ham Chase Bento: A Winter Transfer Twist
According to renowned Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Hammers are desperate to fix their defensive line. This follows a rough first half of the season. The East London club’s recruitment team thinks the 26-year-old Brazilian international is exactly who they need to strengthen their backline.
The current interest comes down to Mads Hermansen’s recent struggles. He faces an uncertain future at the London Stadium. The club signed the Danish goalkeeper from Leicester City only last summer. However, he has failed to bring his Championship form into the Premier League.
So, the Irons are prepared to move on. They want to find a long-term successor to veterans Lukasz Fabianski and Alphonse Areola. However, Di Marzio indicates that West Ham are currently behind in this race.
Genoa have already submitted an official bid to the Saudi Pro League club and are currently awaiting a response. The Grifone moved quickly to sign the South American.
Their swift action leaves West Ham in a tough spot. If the Irons want to sign Bento, they have to make a counteroffer right now. The situation is still very much fluid. Still, the London club’s hesitation could cost them their top winter target.
Analysis: Is Bento the Answer for the Hammers?
Bento Matheus Krepski has become a real force in goal since July 2024. He made a surprise move from Athletico Paranaense to Al-Nassr at that time. Standing at 1.90m, he is dominant in the air and has incredibly sharp reflexes.
The goalkeeper’s career stats show how reliable he is. The Brazilian has kept 59 clean sheets in 164 games and let in 163 goals. These numbers show his consistency and his ability to run a defence. West Ham have really missed those qualities this season.
The Brazilian is mostly known for his shot-stopping and how he controls the penalty area. Unlike Hermansen, who has struggled lately, high balls rarely rattle Bento. Such composure is a big deal for any keeper trying to handle the physical side of English football.
On top of that, he is 26 and entering his best years. Bento offers a solution for the next five years instead of just a quick fix. However, there are still risks. Moving from the Saudi Pro League to the non-stop pace of the Premier League is a huge mental jump.
Also, Genoa’s concrete offer suggests the player might already be leaning toward Italy. That league is famous for helping goalkeepers improve their technical game. Even with those hurdles, Bento would be a great signing. He is a definite step up from what West Ham have at the London Stadium right now.
Their chances look slim, though, unless they move fast. They have more money than Genoa, but waiting too long has given the Italians the lead. The board needs to approve a big bid within days. Otherwise, this talent will probably end up in Serie A.
