West Ham United are set to announce the signing of Portugal youth international centre-back Goncalo Cardoso any moment from now after he had his medicals yesterday.
The 18-year-old played 15 games for Portuguese top-flight side Boavista last season having made his debut in October, and did catch the eyes of the likes of Benfica.
Cardoso is set to become the Hammers’ fifth summer signing, and he did impress during the Euro under-19 Championships where he emerged as runner-up in the voting for player of the tournament.
The teenager will immediately link up with West Ham’s senior side as opposed to joining the under-23s.
Cardoso is unknown to a majority of the London Stadium faithful, and here is how some of them reacted to news linking him with a move on Twitter:
Could be a real gem
— Peter Crowe (@petercrowe511) August 5, 2019
Hope this guy is class. Sounds exciting and could be a Husillos gem
— Dom (@domchandler8) August 5, 2019
Very good investment then. Can see his price rocketing up with a few good games.
— Ben (@bennyboywhfc) August 5, 2019
Most likely. Portugal’s defense was a rock in the Euros. And Boavista were pretty solid back there compared to the rest of the league. You probably said the same thing when we signed Diop. Our scouting is solid right now. Husillos knows what he’s doing.
— James (@wookie301) August 5, 2019
Surely he’s another one of many that we’ve bought for the future that probably won’t get the chance to play in the first team. But the guy has only played a handful of first team games for Boavista, so he may have something about him…
— ᔕIᒪᐯEᖇ ᕼᗩᗰᗰEᖇ (@TimmyJ_71) August 5, 2019
https://t.co/5zkGuuNGt1
I hope Goncalo Cardoso is our new central Defender, the lad has potential! #WHUFC
https://t.co/5zkGuuNGt1
— ⚒♀️Westy FUT Hammerette♀️⚒ (@WestyHammerette) August 4, 2019
Tough to have an opinion as I’ve never heard of him. Trust Pelligrini ⚒
— Kevin (@Kevin10whu) August 5, 2019
Can play LB, and CB. Started 15 games for a team that finished 8th.
— James (@wookie301) August 5, 2019
Looks good especially that he’s left footed as well.
— Matt Davey (@Daveyboymarra) August 5, 2019
West Ham conceded 12 goals in six pre-season games, keeping just one clean sheet and Pellegrini will be concerned about his defence heading into weekend’s clash against Manchester City.
With the transfer window closing on Thursday, it doesn’t seem the Hammers will be bringing in another defender apart from Cardoso, and it will be interesting to see what the youngster can bring to the table as far as strengthening their backline goes.