After reports from Fichajes.net claimed that West Ham were preparing an offer of up to €40m for Vitor Roque, Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola has now poured cold water on those rumours.
According to Nicola, who contacted a source within Palmeiras, the London club have not made any approach for the Brazilian striker so far. The journalist added that the São Paulo side have no intention of negotiating their record signing at this stage, regardless of speculation from abroad.
His €25m move from Barcelona in February was the most expensive in Brazilian football history, and the club’s hierarchy, led by Leila Pereira, view the 20-year-old as a long-term asset rather than a player to sell after one year.
Since his arrival, the striker has gradually adapted to life at Allianz Parque and is now one of the team’s key figures. His resurgence has reignited interest from Europe, but Nicola’s update makes clear that Palmeiras remain firm: no offer has been received, and no talks are planned.
While Fichajes.net continues to link West Ham with the forward, the situation appears calm on the Brazilian side. Unless the Premier League club formalise an approach, Roque’s focus will remain on leading Palmeiras’ attack as they chase titles under Abel Ferreira.
At least for now, the idea of a €40m January move to London seems to exist only in the rumour mill.
