West Ham United on brink of Luis Guilherme transfer as talks enter final stages
West Ham are “closing in on a deal” for Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras with talks now in the final stages, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist reported via Twitter on 31 May that the Irons are set for a €30million deal for the talented attacker [£25.5m], with success expected imminently.
It had been reported earlier the same day by talkSPORT that technical director Tim Steidten had flown to Brazil in an attempt to close a deal for the teenager.
Romano wrote: “West Ham are closing in on deal to sign Brazilian talent Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras!
“Exclusive details of the official bid submitted: €30m fixed fee plus 20% sell-on clause. Negotiations at the final stages, here we go expected soon.”
Tim Steidten close to West Ham transfer success
Irons fans won’t want to jump the gun in light of the expected deal for Patricio Bruno falling apart at the last minute but it looks like a Brazilian import is on the cards, and potentially a much more exciting one.
West Ham have been crying out for attacking reinforcements ever since the January transfer window when only the unsuccessful Kalvin Phillips loan was pushed through by David Moyes.
And a big-money move for a major South American talent who has no experience in the Premier League, while carrying the obvious risks inherent with such a deal, seemingly marks a major departure from the outlook under the outgoing manager.
Steidten has been attempting to get business done early ready to give Julen Lopetegui a fast start, and while that effort has so far been frustrated in a defensive sense it looks like it could be set for a big breakthrough in forward areas.
It remains to be seen how much of a budget the club can put together to fund extensive business as the managerial changeover goes through, especially in light of Lucas Paqueta’s presumed big-money exit to Manchester City evaporating thanks to his FA charge.
But a sizeable deal for a hot prospect, a current teammate of Real Madrid-bound Endrick and future Chelsea signing Estevao Willian, is the sort of move to get a fanbase engaged as the new era begins.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are in a race alongside Premier League rivals to snap up another sought-after youngster who looks set to move.
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.