Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest on West Ham’s attempts to sign Luis Guilherme as they get closer to an announcement.
West Ham Close in on Luis Guilherme: Deal ‘Early Next Week’
The Update
Romano reported on June 2 that Guilherme is set “to travel for medical”. All documents are being prepared as West Ham try to reinvest the £105 million fee that they received for Declan Rice last summer.
The journalist continued to note that West Ham “hope for deal to be sealed early next week”. An early piece of business (with the transfer window not even open yet) will suit this deal well: an 18-year-old will need time to settle in, especially in a team with a brand new manager in Julian Lopetegui.
The Chase So Far
Previously, Romano revealed that West Ham will pay a hefty €30 million to Palmeiras. This may seem like a high price for an 18-year-old with less than 1000 club minutes under his belt, especially with just one goal and one assist this season.
However, he is very highly rated in Brazil – pegged as the “next Ronaldinho”. Even Liverpool had been interested in the youngster, with reports of a £40 million asking fee. There will also (smartly) be a 20% sell-on clause for the winger.
Will Guilherme Start for West Ham?
It seems unlikely that the “top talent” will be thrown in at the deep end, starting weekly in the Premier League. Lopetegui will have a multitude of quality wingers at his disposal: Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Paqueta are all capable of playing the role – assuming that there are no departures (or bans in Paqueta’s case).
However, besides this trio, there is a lack of depth. Maxwell Cornet is likely the backup, playing a mere 110 minutes in the league in the 2023/24 season. Guilherme could likely play a fair chunk of minutes off the bench and even get some starts if the Hammers suffer injuries.
