According to a recent report by Portuguese news outlet Record, West Ham United are set to win the battle to secure the services of Nuno Moreira from Sporting CP. The same source has revealed that the Hammers will face stiff competition from Leicester City in pursuit of the Portuguese talent, whose contract with Sporting is set to expire at the end of this campaign.
The 19-year-old came through the Portuguese club’s youth system and is currently a regular member of their Under-23 team. However, he is yet to make a senior appearance for the Liga NOS giants. Moreira has excelled in the UEFA Youth League this season after representing Sporting in seven matches while scoring one goal and creating two assists in that competition.
He can be considered as one of the brightest young talents coming out of Portuguese football so the Hammers will do well to prise him away from the José Alvalade Stadium. At 19, he is almost on the verge of breaking out at the senior level so West Ham could benefit from acquiring him for free in the summer. Moreover, it will be a low-risk acquisition for Manuel Pellegrini as the Portuguese starlet will be a free agent soon.
Moreira’s acquisition will undoubtedly bolster Pellegrini’s attacking options in the future at the London Stadium. However, for now, the youngster is still quite raw and might struggle if he is given a run out in the Premier League.
The Espinho born prospect is highly versatile as he can play in multiple positions in midfield. The Sporting wonderkid primarily operates in the number 10 position but can also fill in on the right flank if required.
West Ham have got some talented young players coming through the club’s academy as evidenced by the recent emergence of Conor Coventry and Grady Diangana to name a few. Pellegrini already knows the value of young players as he has seen the incredible rise of Declan Rice, who came through the club’s academy, during this campaign.
The addition of Moreira will be a move for the future so the Hammers will be foolish not to give him a chance to shine in England. This move seems like a no-brainer for Pellegrini in our opinion.
