West Ham United is on the verge of completing its first signing of the summer, and the first of the Julen Lopetegui era, as technical director Tim Steidten closes in on Luis Guilherme.
The 18-year-old Brazilian midfield ace is set to join the Hammers in a £25m deal, pending a medical on Monday. This marks the beginning of a significant overhaul at West Ham, and fans are excited about the arrival of Guilherme, a Brazil Under 20 international who has been compared to West Ham’s own Mohammed Kudus and even dubbed the ‘new Ronaldinho’ by some experts.
Guilherme’s skills on the pitch are undeniable, with videos online showcasing his speed and skill. However, some have raised concerns about his end product, noting that the clips often cut off, suggesting he needs improvement in this area.
Additionally, some supporters have expressed worries about bringing such a young player straight into the Premier League from Brazilian football, especially given the significant £25m price tag.
Moreover, Guilherme’s statistics have raised eyebrows, with only one goal and one assist in senior football. However, a recent revelation from Sky Sports may alleviate some of these concerns.
According to the report, Steidten was forced to travel to Brazil to conclude the deal due to interest from other Premier League clubs, highlighting Guilherme’s potential and value.
Furthermore, data experts WhoScored have revealed that Guilherme has averaged more key passes per game than any other player in the 2024 Brasileirao season, demonstrating his creative potential.
While it’s essential to remember that Guilherme is still only 18 and far from the finished article, West Ham fans should trust in Steidten’s scouting and recruitment expertise.
The club is paying for Guilherme’s potential, and it’s crucial to have realistic expectations. West Ham fans should be excited about the signing but also aware that Guilherme may need time to develop and adapt to the Premier League.
With several Premier League clubs reportedly interested in Guilherme, Steidten’s move to sign him quickly demonstrates his confidence in the young player’s abilities.