€25m West Ham bid for Kaio Jorge rejected by Cruzeiro

West Ham United’s early January move for a new striker has hit an immediate roadblock, with a €25m proposal for Cruzeiro forward Kaio Jorge swiftly turned down by the Brazilian club.

According to GE Globo, the Hammers submitted a formal approach in recent days as they look to reinforce their attacking options ahead of the second half of the season. However, despite indications that the player himself is open to a move to the Premier League, Cruzeiro have made it clear they have no intention of negotiating during the winter window.

With uncertainty surrounding Niclas Füllkrug’s future at the London Stadium, West Ham’s search for goals has intensified — but this particular avenue appears closed for now.

GE Globo report that West Ham attempted to structure a deal centred on a loan move, including an obligation to buy based on performance-related targets. The proposal consisted of a €4m loan fee until the end of the season, followed by a €21m mandatory purchase clause.

That offer, totalling €25m, was “promptly rejected” by Cruzeiro.

The Brazilian side are said to have no interest whatsoever in a January exit for Kaio Jorge, viewing him as a cornerstone of their current project. They are also firmly against the idea of a loan deal, preferring to retain full control over the player’s future.

Cruzeiro’s position is understood to be unanimous, stretching from the boardroom to the technical staff. Manager Tite, who recently replaced Leonardo Jardim, has reportedly requested that key players not be sold mid-season.

Internally, Cruzeiro believe that if Kaio Jorge were to leave at all, it would require a figure significantly higher than West Ham’s €25m valuation. At present, they have no desire to test the market.

This firm stance explains why even more lucrative proposals have gone nowhere.

One notable detail from the report is that Kaio Jorge’s camp did engage with West Ham representatives. Initial contact was made with the player’s entourage before being passed on to Cruzeiro — a step that did not happen with a recent €30m offer from Zenit St Petersburg.

The striker had no interest in moving to Russia, meaning that proposal was never even presented to Cruzeiro. West Ham’s bid, however, was formally delivered — a strong indication that Kaio Jorge would be open to a Premier League switch.

From West Ham’s perspective, that detail matters. It suggests the door is not closed entirely, even if timing is currently against them.

Kaio Jorge has been one of the standout forwards in Brazil over the past year. Across 46 appearances for Cruzeiro, he has scored 26 goals and provided nine assists, establishing himself as the top scorer in the Brazilian championship.

Those numbers explain why West Ham have identified him as a potential solution, particularly with Füllkrug expected to depart in January. His mobility, finishing and experience of leading the line align with what Nuno Espírito Santo is seeking as he reshapes the attack.

In our view, West Ham’s interest is logical, but the timing is the biggest problem. Brazilian clubs rarely sell key players mid-season unless forced, and Cruzeiro’s financial position means there is no urgency to cash in.

Although some may see the rejection as a setback, the fact the player is open to West Ham should not be ignored. This feels more like a move postponed than one abandoned — potentially revisited in the summer if circumstances change.

For now, however, West Ham will need to explore alternative targets if they want immediate attacking reinforcement.

West Ham are expected to continue surveying the striker market as January approaches, with short-term solutions likely to take priority if Füllkrug departs. Kaio Jorge remains one to watch for the future, but for now, Cruzeiro’s stance suggests this pursuit is on hold rather than progressing.

👉 West Ham fans — should the club return with a bigger bid, or move on to more realistic January targets?