Maybe West Ham should have worked harder on getting their winter target Gabriel Pires earlier this year.
Reports from Spain at the time said the Hammers had made two offers for the Leganés midfielder: one for a €5.5m straight deal and another for a €1.9m loan with a €9m buying clause.
But the La Liga side were demanding the player’s €20m release clause to let him go, and that was apparently the reason why he stayed.
However, Benfica are now said to be close to getting the player, and according to A Bola, they should be spending €10m on the signing.
The Portuguese newspaper recalls that the likes of Newcastle and West Ham have pushed for the player, but they don’t see these clubs as a threat to Benfica.
It’s just claimed that Gabriel has the dream of playing the Champions League, and that’s something in the Eagles’ favour right now.
But maybe a few more millions, or even a new summer attempt, could have sent Gabriel to London instead of Lisbon this transfer window.
