West Ham are still monitoring Kaio Jorge. The striker finished the Brasileirão as the competition’s top scorer and capped off a standout season for Cruzeiro.
According to a report by UOL, the Premier League side have already made enquiries about the 23-year-old, who is now attracting attention again from European football.
Kaio Jorge has established himself as a key figure under Leonardo Jardim and even earned a call-up from Carlo Ancelotti to Brazil’s national team. His form has naturally put him back on the radar abroad, especially given his previous spells in Europe with Juventus and Frosinone.
This time, however, the context is very different, with the forward arriving as a proven goalscorer rather than a prospect.
Alongside West Ham, Aston Villa have also sent scouts to watch Kaio Jorge toward the end of the year. Still, the striker’s priority is clear. Kaio Jorge is only willing to leave Cruzeiro for what has been described in Brazil as a “top-shelf” European club.
In practical terms, that means a side competing at the highest level, something that places Premier League interest – and West Ham’s position – firmly in focus.
Cruzeiro are equally firm in their stance. The Brazilian club have no intention of selling cheaply and would only open talks for a fee between €35m and €40m.
That valuation reflects both Kaio Jorge’s numbers and his importance to the squad. Cruzeiro paid roughly €8m to sign him in mid-2024, a figure that now looks a bargain given his development.
For West Ham, the message from Brazil is straightforward. Kaio Jorge is available only at a premium and only if the project matches his ambitions. Whether the Hammers are able to meet both demands remains to be seen.
