West Ham are determined to secure the signature of Lille centre-back Alexsandro when the transfer window reopens in the New Year, according to reports in Brazil.

ESPN Brasil claim that the Hammers have made the 26-year-old a “priority target”, with his club expected to hold out for a fee in excess of €30m (£26m).

However, they also report that Alexsandro has “doubts” about moving to the Premier League midway through the season.

The defender has recently received his first cap for Brazil and he is worried about losing his spot ahead of the World Cup next year if he changes teams.

What do fans need to know about Alexsandro?

The Brazilian made his professional debut in Portugal with Praiense before going on to make further appearances for Amora and Chaves in the lower leagues.

Lille picked up Alexsandro for just €2m in the summer of 2022, and he has slowly established himself as a regular starter with the Ligue One outfit, having made 116 appearances in all competitions.

The centre-half is two-footed, which makes him very adaptable in terms of where he is deployed in either a back four or back three.

West Ham need to reinforce the centre of defence

Along with a top No.9, the Irons desperately need better options at the back. The form of Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman has been wretched, and the other two senior options are Konstantinos Mavrapanos (who is currently injured) and loanee Igor Julio.

Since moving from Brighton on Deadline Day last month, Igor has played just a few minutes against Everton in Nuno‘s first game in charge.

The 27-year-old didn’t even make the bench for the defeat to Brentford and he was an unused substitute versus Leeds. There is a good chance that he will be sent back to the Seagulls in January.

Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here