West Ham, an English club from Premier League, presented an initial offer for striker Kaio Jorge, from Cruzeiro, but the celestial board immediately rejected the offer. The negotiation involved a six-month loan with a payment of 4 million euros, followed by a mandatory purchase conditioned on targets, potentially reaching 25 million euros in total. Cruzeiro considers the model inadequate and maintains the position of not negotiating the player in this transfer window.
The refusal reflects the Minas Gerais club’s planning for the 2026 season, which includes the Copa Libertadores dispute. Kaio Jorge is seen as a fundamental part of the cast, especially after his excellent performance in 2025.
Despite the initial denial, information indicates that West Ham has not given up and is preparing a new attack with higher values. The English club is looking to reinforce its attack to improve its position in the domestic league.
West Ham has submitted a first formal €21m bid to Cruzeiro for striker Kaio Jorge, the current top scorer in the Brasileiro. [@GEGlobo]
—Hammers Hub (@HammersHubWHUFC)December 22, 2025
The loan-with-obligation proposal was rejected, but West Ham are reportedly willing to go as high as €25m for the Brazilian forward.pic.twitter.com/AKi07FnE3r
Details of the initial rejected proposal
The West Ham offer was structured into specific steps to acquire Kaio Jorge. The initial loan until June 2026 included immediate financial compensation, while the definitive part depended on the player’s performance.
Cruzeiro assessed that the total amount was below expectations to release the attacker. The board prioritizes maintaining starters for future competitions.
- Six-month loan for 4 million euros.
- Additional mandatory purchase of up to 21 million euros conditional on targets.
- Total potential value of 25 million euros (around R$162 million at recent prices).
This structure served as a sign of interest, but did not meet celestial demands.
Performance of Kaio Jorge on Cruzeiro
Kaio Jorge arrived at Cruzeiro in mid-2024, coming from Juventus, and quickly adapted to Brazilian football. In 2025, the striker recorded impressive numbers, becoming the team’s main highlight.
He ended the season with 26 goals and nine assists in 46 official matches. Esses numbers include artillery isolated from Campeonato Brasileiro and shared in Copa from Brasil.
The player directly contributed to 35 team goals throughout the year. Sua evolution was notable after the runner-up in the Sul-Americana in 2024.
Kaio Jorge also recently rejected a proposal from Zenit, from Rússia, preferring to remain at Brasil. The striker shows focus on competing for titles with the Cruzeiro, including the Libertadores in 2026.
Firm position of the celestial board
The Cruzeiro board is cautious in the current transfer market. The focus is on specific adjustments to the squad, without giving up essential players like Kaio Jorge.
The new coach Tite, hired for 2026, requested the preservation of the main athletes. Essa guidance aligns with President Pedro Lourenço’s vision of strengthening the group for multiple competitions.
The club requires around 40 million euros to consider any definitive negotiation for the striker. Valores inferiors do not come into discussion at this stage.
European interest in Brazilian striker
European clubs have been monitoring Kaio Jorge since their good run at Cruzeiro. West Ham identified the player as an option to reinforce the offensive sector, especially in the face of possible departures from the squad.
Other Premier League teams have shown interest in the past, but without concrete progress. The January window opens up opportunities for new approaches.
The striker, with a contract until 2029, represents one of Cruzeiro’s biggest recent investments. Sua market appreciation reflects consistent performance on the field.
Cruzeiro planning for 2026
Cruzeiro is preparing for an intense calendar in 2026, with participations in Campeonato Mineiro, Copa of Brasil, Brasileirão and Libertadores. Manter Kaio Jorge integrates the competitiveness strategy.
The team is looking for specific reinforcements, but prioritizes the stability of the current group. The refusal of the initial proposal reinforces this line of conduct.
- Dispute in four main competitions.
- Return to Libertadores after years of absence.
- Emphasis on maintenance of gunners and technical leaders.
This approach aims to position the club among the protagonists of Brazilian and South American football.
Recent trajectory of Kaio Jorge
Kaio Jorge started his career at Santos and went through Juventus before arriving at Cruzeiro. Lesões in the past delayed their projection, but the transfer to Belo Horizonte marked a positive turn.
In 2025, the striker regularly surpassed personal bests on the field. Sua movement and finishing draw the attention of international scouts.
The player expresses the desire to compete for Libertadores for Cruzeiro. Essa preference influences decisions about proposals from abroad.
Transfer market on the move
The January European window brings intense movement for clubs like West Ham. The English team occupies intermediate positions in Premier League and is looking for options in attack.
Negotiations involving Brazilians are common during this period. Kaio Jorge enters the radar of teams that need immediate goals.
Cruzeiro follows the scenario carefully, but is in no rush to make changes to the cast.
Consolidated season numbers
Kaio Jorge closed 2025 with statistics that place him among the main attackers of Brasil. The contribution in goals and assists highlights his tactical importance.
The striker participated in more than half of the goals scored in national competitions. Essa efficiency justifies the reluctance to trade him now.
Main milestones achieved:
- Brasileirão’s artillery with 21 goals.
- Five goals in Copa from Brasil, tied for the lead.
- Nine assists distributed in official matches.
- Total of 35 direct participations in goals.
This data reinforces the player’s value in the Cruzeiro squad.
Perspectives for the attacker
Kaio Jorge focuses his efforts on preparing for the next season with Cruzeiro. The possibility of a new proposal for West Ham exists, but it depends on alignment with celestial requirements.
The player maintains focus on collective goals. Sua permanence strengthens Cruzeiro’s chances in high-level tournaments.
