West Ham to suffer ‘£10m loss’ as Luis Guilherme transfer update emerges
West Ham could lose up to £10million from the signing of Luis Guilherme after being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Irons splashed £25.5million on the young Brazilian winger during the summer transfer window [BBC Sport], only making five first-team appearances since transferring from Palmeiras.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Al Hilal have made initial contact to be informed of any developments surrounding the 18-year-old, though no official proposal has been made as of yet.
Speaking in an X live stream [17 January], Jacobs said: “It’s not so much Saudi Arabia asking for the player as West Ham offering the player. Luis Guilherme joined West Ham over the summer and it has not worked out for the player.
“There is an opportunity because he is an U21 signing so some of the teams do have space to add a player under the age of 21. They paid somewhere close to £25million and they’re going to struggle to get anywhere near that fee now because the last six months have been very difficult.
“Because there was original Saudi interest from three clubs before he chose to move to West Ham instead, they’ve gone back to the Saudi central deal makers and have asked if any of them would like him for, in the region, I am told, of 20million euros, which is about £15million, so West Ham might be losing £10million.”
West Ham United to already offload Luis Guilherme?
The signing of Guilherme looks set to be another one of Tim Steidten’s failures as technical director, having worked so hard to secure his signature last summer.
With only five appearances to his name, none of which are starts for the Irons, the youngster has seriously failed to impress, leaving a rather disappointing feel to his move.
During his time with Palmeiras, while his numbers in front of goal were not the most exciting, he looked to be an interesting talent, who just needed to develop and be nurtured.
However, it has not worked out for either party and the East London club may have no other choice but to take a £10million hit on the 18-year-old, with Saudi clubs calling.
Guilherme is clearly no longer in the club’s plans, unable to get into the squad under Julen Lopetegui, and Potter only giving him a handful of minutes in recent matches.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are in Friday talks to seal a striker signing from a “sensational” club.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.