West Ham can’t afford to repeat Tim Steidten’s Luis Guilherme error as January bid considered
West Ham have failed to get the best out of Luis Guilherme since his move from Palmerias.
Guilherme moved to West Ham in 2024 after becoming a regular starter in the Brazilian Serie A at just 18 years old.
There was huge expectation surrounding the youngster, but Guilherme has struggled for form at West Ham after a big-money move.
Tim Steidten brought Guilherme to West Ham as part of a sizable summer spend, only for him to be ultimately let go for a lack of positive impact from his signings.
The Hammers have seriously struggled this season, and the January window could represent a turning point – only if Steidten’s mistakes aren’t replicated.
Tim Steidten made huge mistake with Luis Guilherme
West Ham signed Guilherme after what was a hugely positive spell with the Brazilian outfit at such a young age.
Chelsea star Willian Estavao has proven that young talents from South America can make the step up to the Premier League with ease.
That hasn’t been the case for the Irons as their teen winger has seriously struggled to even get on the pitch since a move to East London.
Guilherme has featured across just 54 minutes this campaign and is yet to score or assist since moving to the London Stadium.
It is clear that Nuno Espirito Santo, Graham Potter and Julen Lopetegui trusted the Brazilian to perform for the Hammers, and all three limited his opportunities.
As an example of what can happen when signing young players from abroad, West Ham should tread carefully as it enters the January transfer window.
West Ham will risk everything with Dro Fernandez signing
Guilherme was a risk, but at least he had senior minutes under his belt to allow the Hammers to assess what sort of player they were getting.
The young forward hasn’t paid off as a signing, but bringing in a youngster with even less first-team minutes feels like a risk.
This hasn’t stopped the Irons from being linked with Barcelona talent Dro Fernandez ahead of the January window.
The 17-year-old has featured in just two matches for the Catalans’ first team, but West Ham wants to sign him “before his price goes crazy”, according to Alan Nixon.
A January bid is being considered, while a move in the summer could also be possible as Barca seems reluctant to sell the attacker.
The Spaniard could prove to be the next Guilherme in East London and replicate the wrongdoings of Steidten before his justified exit.
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