---
title: "West Ham make ambitious move for highly rated Brazilian defender"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/07/18/west-ham-make-ambitious-move-for-highly-rated-brazilian-defender/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-07-18T09:22:39Z"
modified: "2026-07-18T09:22:45Z"
---

# West Ham make ambitious move for highly rated Brazilian defender

**West Ham United have identified Paris FC centre-back Otávio as an ambitious target for Nuno Espírito Santo’s defensive rebuild.**

The Hammers are exploring the overseas market as they look to add another central defender before the transfer window closes.

According to [The West Ham Way](https://www.thewesthamway.com/2026/07/18/ambitious-exwhuemployee-west-ham-transfer-update/), ExWHUEmployee has named Otávio among several players being considered by the club.

West Ham believe their existing relationship with Paris FC following the Mohamadou Kanté transfer could help any future negotiations.

> An ambitious target in the foreign market is centre-back Otávio of Paris FC, who we have a good relationship with after the Kante deal.\
> \
> He is also known to our assistant manager Rui Pedro Silva – he was identified as a target forFamalicão before he left the club.[@ExWHUEmployee](https://x.com/ExWHUEmployee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/W8tkU2T5U1](https://t.co/W8tkU2T5U1)
>
> — Central (@WestHam\_Central) [July 18, 2026](https://x.com/WestHam_Central/status/2078375312501448737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Rui Pedro Silva connection could aid West Ham

Otávio is also familiar to West Ham assistant manager Rui Pedro Silva.

The Brazilian was identified as a potential signing for Famalicão while Silva was managing the Portuguese club. Otávio eventually joined Famalicão in January 2023, although Silva had already left to work alongside Nuno at Nottingham Forest.

The 24-year-old later joined Porto before completing a move to Paris FC in July 2025. He signed a five-year contract with the French club and made 23 appearances during his first Ligue 1 campaign.

Otávio is left-footed and comfortable progressing possession from defence. His profile would give Nuno an alternative to Max Kilman on the left side of the back line.

West Ham’s interest comes as Jean-Clair Todibo continues to push for a move away from east London. The Hammers still prefer a permanent sale, although [they may need to reconsider their stance if only loan offers arrive](https://readwestham.com/2026/07/15/west-ham-reject-loan-route-for-jean-clair-todibo/).

Paris FC are under no pressure to sell Otávio because of his long contract. West Ham would therefore need to make a significant offer to turn their interest into serious negotiations.

No formal bid has yet been reported, but the existing club relationship and Silva connection could give the Hammers an advantage.