West Ham keen on 26-year-old Brazilian – £20m needed for transfer

West Ham are now credited with interest in FC Copenhagen centre-back Gabriel Pereira.

The 26-year-old centre-back has emerged as a target for the Premier League side, according to journalist Pablo Oliveira. He reports that Gabriel Pereira fits the recruitment profile Hammers are pursuing under their new transfer strategy.

The report adds that FC Copenhagen value the defender at around €23.2m (£20m) valuation. Portuguese side Gil Vicente are due 10% of any future transfer fee after including a sell-on clause when they sold him to Denmark.

Gabriel Pereira is no stranger to Premier League attention. Leicester City tracked the Brazilian during their time in the top flight, but a move never materialised. His development has continued in Denmark, however, and he is now attracting fresh interest from England.

Strong numbers back up West Ham interest

Gabriel Pereira has established himself as one of FC Copenhagen’s most reliable defenders. He made 26 league appearances last season, starting 25 of those matches as the Danish side secured another domestic title.

His underlying defensive numbers help explain why clubs continue to monitor him. The Brazilian averaged 5.9 ball recoveries, 3.9 clearances and 2.2 interceptions per league game, while also completing 88% of his passes.

Gabriel Pereira also arrives with some European pedigree, having played a role in FC Copenhagen’s run to the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals in 2024-25. He then featured regularly in the Champions League the following season.

What happens next

At this stage there is no indication that West Ham have submitted an offer. The report only points to interest from the Premier League club.

Still, the reported £20m asking price provides an early indication of what it could take to tempt FC Copenhagen into negotiations. Whether West Ham decide to progress beyond initial interest may depend on how Gabriel Pereira compares with the other centre-backs under consideration.

With previous Premier League interest from Leicester City and another impressive campaign in Denmark behind him, the Brazilian appears well placed to test himself in England. This is true if West Ham decide to formalise their interest.