West Ham United are apparently close to signing Iberian Jamie Vardy in a startling £17 million deal that appears to be a steal. Everyone likes a rags-to-riches underdog story, and West Ham has their own in Michail Antonio. But in England, nothing beats Jamie Vardy, who, like Antonio, advanced from non-league to Premier League. While West Ham were having a terrific season as Dimitri Payet, Antonio, and others bid farewell to Upton Park, Vardy went and achieved the inconceivable. In 2015/16, he led Leicester City to the most unexpected title win in football history.
The Leicester City striker praises non-league football for his career success. Sheffield Wednesday released the Red Bull-drinking, Ginsters-eating striker when he was still a youngster. How West Ham could benefit from a Vardy However, he rekindled his love for the game in the lower leagues with Stocksbridge Park Steels, Halifax Town, and Fleetwood.
Vardy must go down as one of the best buys of all time, costing Leicester only £1 million. The rest, as they say, was history. How could West Ham benefit from a bargain like that? They’ll have to pay a little extra, but it appears like they’ll have a modernized version soon. Because West Ham are on the verge of signing Iberian Vardy in a sensational £17 million bargain.
West Ham close on Iberian Vardy for £17 million deal. The Premier League has produced several excellent players with the surname Silva. The Hammers will be aiming to add to that list as they ‘close in’ on signing Jota Silva. Earlier this week, Portuguese journalist Sebastiao Sousa Pinto exclusively revealed that West Ham were close to signing Silva from Vitoria Guimaraes for his 20 million Euro (£17 million) release clause.
“Deal is well underway, and Jota prepares himself to leave VSC, after an incredible season,” Pinto stated. “15 goals and 7 assists across all competitions. A long-term contract awaits. Nothing has been done or agreed upon yet, but it will be soon. Claret and Hugh now report the deal is nearing completion, with 24-year-old Silva expected to be one of three new West Ham players announced before July 1st.
But why is Silva called the Iberian Vardy? Well, their football career paths have been strikingly similar. Silva was born in Gondomar, Porto, on the Iberian Peninsula. However, he made his professional senior football debut less than four years ago. The Hammers’ wing wizard target began his senior career in the third tier with UD Sousense and S.C. Espinho.
On a Silva platter? Silva joined LigaPro team Leixões SC in July 2020, making his professional debut two months later. His first goals came on October 16, with a brace in a 3-1 victory over Varzim SC. He hasn’t looked back since, signing with Casa Pia late in the January 2021 transfer window. Silva scored 11 goals to assist his team return to the Primeira Liga after an eighty-three-year absence. That inspired Vitoria to sign Silva, who made his top-flight debut on August 7, 2022.
West Ham are apparently poised to sign a player who has thrived in the Portuguese top flight, earning his first two caps for the national side this year. Silva entered the game late and is making up for lost time. His story and ascent are extremely similar to that of Vardy in Portugal. He has also achieved great success by representing his country. He resembles Jack Grealish, but he has all the characteristics of a player who values the platform he now has, including a passion and hunger to score and make goals.
West Ham will receive a highly versatile player for their money. Silva can play on either wing, central attacking midfield, or as a striker. Let’s hoping the Hammers win this one.
