West Ham sign Morato on season-long loan from Nottingham Forest

West Ham United have completed the signing of Brazilian defender Morato on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest.

The Hammers officially confirmed the deal on deadline day, with the 25-year-old moving to the London Stadium after two seasons at the City Ground.

BBC Sport reports that the agreement also includes an option for West Ham to make the transfer permanent. Neither club has disclosed the value of that option or any loan fee, leaving the financial terms of the deal undisclosed.

The move reunites Morato with Nuno Espírito Santo, who previously coached him at Nottingham Forest. The centre-back was part of the Forest side that reached the Europa League semi-finals last season and was subsequently named in the competition’s team of the tournament.

Morato joined Forest from Benfica in the summer of 2024 and went on to make 66 appearances in all competitions. His time in Portugal had included senior experience with Benfica after progressing through the club’s development system following his move from Brazil.

West Ham’s move adds another natural centre-back to Nuno’s defensive options late in the window. The club have also reshaped the position through outgoing business, with Jean-Clair Todibo joining Lens on loan.

Morato’s familiarity with Nuno’s methods gives West Ham an experienced option who should require little introduction to the manager’s defensive demands, while the purchase option allows the club to assess him over the course of the season before deciding on a permanent deal.

Unlike the earlier reports surrounding the transfer, there is no longer any uncertainty over completion: West Ham have formally announced Morato as a new signing on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest.