Luis Guilherme exit route opens up as West Ham loan-to-buy deal wanted
Luis Guilherme was brought to West Ham United last season as a project signing, but has since been considered as collateral to raise funds.
Guilherme signed at the London Stadium from Palmeiras in a deal eventually worth up to £25million, in what was the first of Tim Steidten’s now-infamous spending spree which accumulated a net spend exceeding £80million.
With several arrivals having nosedived and Steidten dismissed as well as his head coach choice Julen Lopetegui, peripheral prodigy Guilherme has often been thought of as a potential makeweight for the Hammers to improve their side while keeping within PSR boundaries.
Euro club return for Guilherme after winter bid failed
Guilherme was never intended to set the world alight in his debut season, but due to the failures of those around him, it could be the only Premier League chance he gets.
West Ham were willing to let the Brazilian teenager depart in January with only eight appearances to his name so far, but wanted to recoup the fee they paid.
According to SoccerNews in the Netherlands (25 March), previous suitors Feyenoord are planning to return this summer to attempt to secure Guilherme on a loan-to-buy deal, something the Irons are reluctant to sanction and turned down in the winter window.
The Hammers may commit to a straight loan, but would only meet Feyenoord’s request if the last season’s Eredivisie runners-up meet their demands for a future fee.
Feyenoord are currently fourth in the Dutch top flight and still aiming to ensure European qualification for next term, with a new excitement pulsating through their support due to the return of legendary figure Robin van Persie as head coach of his boyhood side.
West Ham cannot afford another poor transfer window
Guilherme was just the start of a juggernaut approach from West Ham under their former technical director Steidten last summer.
The German appeared to have the time of his life spending an unprecedented amount in perhaps the most exciting window in East London since Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano bowled into Upton Park.
If you told Hammers fans their side would be fifth-bottom of the Premier League after all that business was done, there would have been uproar.
| Luis Guilherme – West Ham | Appearances | Minutes |
| All competitions | 8 | 55 |
That’s why this summer is crucial with very little room for error – this is recognised by David Sullivan right down to Potter and the team.
It may not be two Argentines coming in to wow the West Ham crowd, but the outcome of this potential deal concerning a young Brazilian could prove crucial in the future once he develops and has his chance to prove himself.