A stunning new West Ham transfer has taken a sensational step forward overnight according to a journalist close to the deal.
When West Ham technical director Tim Steidten gets on his jet to do a deal there’s usually only one outcome.
More often than not the German gets what he wants, as he proved last summer by signing Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez for West Ham.
So it was a big surprise when a Hammers deal for Brazilian centre-back Fabricio Bruno – which was done according to the likes of Fabrizio Romano – collapsed this week.
We reported on the truth behind the Bruno collapse as fresh details emerged.
Steidten is so highly regarded for a reason, though. West Ham’s recruitment chief immediately switched to other targets in Brazil.
One of those being 18-year-old midfield sensation Luis Guilherme.
Hammers in for coveted teen sensation
The fact Steidten remains in Brazil says everything about his intention to return to London with at least one signing for new West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui.
UOL claimed Steidten made an increased second bid of £25 million for Guilherme.
But reports stated Palmeiras were desperate to hold on to their young star as they say farewell to Real Madrid-bound Endrick.
There was excitement when Guilherme was said to have given the ‘green light’ on a move to the London Stadium.
Claims of interest from Madrid and other elite clubs had Hammers fans reluctant to get their hopes up again.
But the stunning new West Ham transfer has taken a sensational step forward overnight.
Stunning new transfer takes sensational step forward
Because according to a Brazilian UOL journalist close to the deal, there is ‘agreement between all parties’ and West Ham are close to sealing the deal for Guilherme.
“West Ham plans a deal with Luís Guilherme from Palmeiras,” Andre Hernan states.
“Player and English club are already in the agreement. 30 million euros (£25m) plus variables (bonus amounts still confidential between the clubs).
“Agreement close…
“Palmeiras will maintain 20% of the 18-year-old player’s economic rights (sell-on clause).”
Yesterday an English journalist who specialises in Brazilian football raved about West Ham’s move for Guilherme.
Ben Mattinson says Guilherme is a player in the Kudus mould.
And he is said to be so good that he may well be Kudus’ replacement if the Ghana star has his £85m release clause activated next summer.
Kudus 2.0 but is he too young?
A left-footed right winger by trade, Guilherme can also play on the left or in a more central number 10 position like Kudus.
A technically brilliant footballer with frightening pace, Guilherme plays with flair, freedom and a fearlessness belying his age.
Perhaps most excitingly of all, Guilherme has been labelled the “new Ronaldinho” – as reported on Yahoo.
The move has some West Ham fans worried, though.
Those Hammers supporters are concerned whether a young player can make the transition directly from Brazilian football to the Premier League.
For the fee West Ham are playing and the fact the club needs around eight signings with a £100m budget this summer. Guilherme is clearly being signed with a view to going straight into the first team.
But as many fans have pointed out – until proven otherwise in Steidten we trust.
