LET GO!! IT’S OFFICIAL: WEST HAM HIJACK EVERTON TARGET TO SIGN YARLEN ON PRE-CONTRACT
West Ham United have pulled off a significant transfer coup, confirming they have agreed a pre-contract deal with highly-rated Brazilian forward Yarlen Faustino Augusto – a player who had been firmly on Everton’s radar for over a year.
The 21-year-old, known simply as Yarlen, will join the London Stadium in the summer when his contract with Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas expires. The move ends a prolonged pursuit by multiple Premier League clubs, with Everton having held advanced talks with the player’s representatives throughout last season before West Ham stepped in to secure his signature.
West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has hailed Yarlen’s decision to choose the Hammers over their Merseyside rivals, describing it as a reflection of the club’s ambition and commitment to developing young talent.
“Yarlen’s choice to join West Ham instead of Everton and other interested parties is a huge vote of confidence in what we are building here,” said Nuno. “We have a clear vision for how we want to play football, and we’ve shown we can provide young players with the opportunity to perform at the highest level. Yarlen has recognised that our environment will allow him to grow both as a player and as a person – that’s what made the difference.
“He possesses exceptional attributes: blistering pace, intelligent movement off the ball and a natural finishing ability that marks him out as a special talent. Having watched his performances closely during his loan spell at América Mineiro, we’re convinced he has everything it takes to succeed in the Premier League.”
Yarlen made his professional breakthrough with Botafogo in 2024, making 22 appearances and scoring five goals before joining América Mineiro on loan in early 2025. During his time in Belo Horizonte, he has netted eight times in 34 games across Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Copa do Brasil, earning recognition as one of Brazil’s most exciting emerging forwards.
West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten added: “This signing fits perfectly with our recruitment strategy. We’ve tracked Yarlen’s progress since his debut, and our scouting team in South America has provided invaluable insight into his potential. We’ve structured the deal to include a sell-on arrangement with Botafogo, and we’re delighted to welcome him to West Ham.”
The terms of Yarlen’s contract remain undisclosed, though it is understood to include performance-based incentives and provisions for international call-ups.
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