Flamengo outbid West Ham for Kaio Jorge but Cruzeiro hold firm

West Ham United’s pursuit of Kaio Jorge has become more complicated after Flamengo submitted a bid larger than the Premier League club’s own proposal — only to see it rejected by Cruzeiro.

According to Globo, the Brazilian striker is now at the centre of an increasingly competitive transfer battle, with Cruzeiro holding firm on a significantly higher valuation despite interest from both Europe and South America.

Flamengo have emerged as a serious contender for Kaio Jorge, attempting to leverage the player’s personal desire to play for the Rio de Janeiro club. The strategy, however, has yet to shift Cruzeiro’s stance.

Globo report that Flamengo submitted a €30m offer for the striker — already higher than West Ham’s earlier €25m approach. In addition, Flamengo explored an alternative structure involving Everton Cebolinha plus a reduced cash payment.

Both proposals were turned down.

Cruzeiro’s position was clear: negotiations would only begin at figures close to €50m. Club owner Pedro Lourenço is now expected to formalise a new benchmark price as demand grows.

Despite Flamengo’s persistence and Kaio Jorge’s reported openness to the move, Cruzeiro remain relaxed about the situation. Internally, there is confidence that continued interest — particularly from Europe — will only strengthen their negotiating position.

The club see no urgency to sell and are prepared to wait, especially with multiple suitors circling and the January window approaching.

For West Ham United, the development adds pressure but not necessarily a decisive shift in the race.

Brazilian reports indicate West Ham’s €25m signal was always intended as a feeler — a way to test Cruzeiro’s resolve before considering a more aggressive bid. That response has now arrived, and the message is unambiguous.

While Flamengo’s interest adds noise, it does not automatically change the hierarchy of options. The pull of the Premier League — in sporting, financial and exposure terms — remains a powerful factor, even against a player’s domestic preference.

With Flamengo already rebuffed and Cruzeiro holding firm, the next move belongs to West Ham. The question is whether they are willing to engage at a valuation driven toward €50m by competition and confidence from the selling club.

As things stand, Kaio Jorge is not being pushed out — and Cruzeiro are comfortable waiting for the market to come to them.

With the January window approaching, interest from Europe is expected to intensify. Cruzeiro will continue to resist pressure, while West Ham assess whether Kaio Jorge is worth entering a bidding range shaped by elite demand rather than negotiation leverage.

Should West Ham push toward Cruzeiro’s valuation for Kaio Jorge — or walk away as the price climbs?