West Ham United transfers: ExWHUEmployee names three January targets
West Ham are thought to want to retain Luis Guilherme’s services for the time being, according to ExWHUEmployee.
The reliable source on all things Hammers told his West Ham Way website on 15 January that while there is genuine interest from Saudi Arabia and UAE, there has been no bid made yet for the Brazilian winger.
It’s also understood that Graham Potter is exploring loan moves for Chelsea duo Carney Chukwuemeka and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and there is serious interest in OH Leuven midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi.
Ex said: “There is also some talk that clubs in Saudi Arabia and UAE are interested in signing Guilherme.
“No offers are in yet and it West Ham’s stance on this potential move is unclear – although it is thought we would want to keep the player for now.
“We have listed the names before but the two Chelsea lads Chukwuemeka and Dewsbury Hall are loans that Potter is said to be very keen to explore. We are also still very much interested in Dutch midfielder Banzuzi who we hope will join us over other clubs.”
West Ham must not cash in on Luis Guilherme unless it’s crazy money
Given that the Hammers signed the 18-year-old for £20million [Sun], it would only make financial and strategic sense for the club to consider selling him if they could secure a significant profit.
At this point, with no bids yet from interested parties in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and given the club’s stance on retaining him, any offer would need to substantially exceed the outlay to justify letting him go.
Selling Guilherme now without a significant profit might undermine the club’s investment strategy, especially considering the potential long-term benefits of his development under Potter.
Moreover, with the new manager exploring loan options and showing interest in other talents like Banzuzi, it’s clear the focus is on squad enhancement without necessarily reducing the current squad depth unless the financial return is compelling.
Bringing in either Chukwuemeka or Dewsbury-Hall would also make sense but signing both in one window on loan seems highly unrealistic, to say the least.
In other West Ham news, sources claim the Hammers can now secure the services of a £40m player in January.
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.