When Manchester City paid €32m for a 19-year-old Brazilian, it even like too much money to many. But Gabriel Jesus didn’t need much time to show his potential, and with four goals and three assists in only eight games for the club, the investment seems to be worth it.
It’s no secret that other clubs tried the signing as well. Manchester United, Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were all said to be in the race. But could we imagine West Ham among them?
The Hammers were well informed about the youngster’s skills, as revealed by club scout Emerson Thomé to ESPN Brasil this week.
The former Sheffield Wednesday, Chelsea, Sunderland, Bolton, Wigan and Derby County player was present at a Palmeiras game last year, on behalf of West Ham, and watched Jesus closely.
“I was in Argentina in that game between Rosário and Palmeiras, and Gabriel Jesus already gave the impression of being a natural talent,” Thomé told ESPN Brasil.
“He caught my attention, he had all the physical and technical qualities for the Premier League, but he was too expensive.”
Jesus scored two goals in that game, but ended up being sent off and Palmeiras were eliminated in the group stage after a 3-3 draw.
It was actually an Argentine player who the scout was keeping an eye on that night for West Ham, but the name wasn’t revealed because the target is still on the market.
Thomé, who previously worked as a scout for Everton for seven years, was responsible for recommending Manuel Lanzini to West Ham as well.
“He is on a high, he’s a very important player, has a personality, fits the profile of Juninho, short, not athletic enough to be dominant in duels, extremely intelligent. He’s been having success with us, we are extremely pleased with his evolution since his arrival.
“Lanzini was in the Emirates, but we knew him from Argentina. He was wanting to challenge at the highest level, he embraced the (West Ham) cause and corresponded splendidly.
“That’s why I say that football is not measured in a simple way. The ability of mental evolution is what determines where you can reach. The player with the most (ability) is always ahead, I believe that Juninho and Lanzini excel at the competence and quick game decisions. Lanzini, David Silva, Oscar when he was at Chelsea, are all extremely quick in thinking and making decisions.”
