The Bizarre Case of Luis Guilherme and Why His Move to Sporting Could Embarrass West Ham

The Bizarre Case of Luis Guilherme and Why His Move to Sporting Could Embarrass West Ham

When West Ham announced the arrival of highly rated teenage starlet Luis Guilherme in the summer of 2024, there was a palpable buzz among supporters.

Guilherme had made an attention-capturing name for himself in his home country, Brazil, having made his Palmeiras debut at 17 years of age the year previous.

Many believed he was set for a starring role in the next cohort of Joga Bonito ballers to take the world by storm, with his move to the Premier League touted as the first step on the journey to stardom.

But instead, what followed that £25m move to West London was nothing short of a cataclysmic failure which now sees Guilherme, still only 19 years of age, on the verge of a permanent transfer away from the Hammers as he looks to get his career back on track.

A case of mishandled development, sparse chances to showcase and one which could come back to haunt West Ham in the next few years – this is the bizarre case of Luis Guilherme.

How West Ham Failed Their Brazilian Wonderkid

West Ham were entrenched in a period of change and transition in 2024, with Julen Lopetegui taking charge of his first summer transfer window as gaffer following the controversial changeover with David Moyes in the wake of the 23/24 season.

A lot of work was needed to mould the squad toward the possession-based, tempo-dictating system Lopetegui would deploy, and there was cautious optimism around the prospect of exciting business.

And, when Luis Guilherme was announced as the first signing of the Lopetegui era, that optimism would only blossom, with the tricky winger an intriguing signing for the Hammers.

But, fast forward to the midway point of that very same season, and the excitement surrounding the Brazilian had almost entirely dissipated; Guilherme had only participated in four games, with his minutes not even totalling one half of football.

The January transfer window saw Lopetegui sacked, following an underwhelming reign, and replaced with former Chelsea boss Graham Potter – an appointment which promised a fresh start for Guilherme as he looked to make his presence known.

But again, fast forward to the end of the 24/25 season, and Guilherme had only participated in 9 more games, failing to motor with any sort of consistent minutes, and once again falling into the shadows as a peripheral figure at the London Stadium.

This cycle would repeat again heading into this season. Potter sacked, Nuno appointed, Guilherme forgotten.

In fact, Guilherme was so ostracised and dismissed as an option that he was informed he had no future at the club in November, with his career effectively stagnating since then.

Why it hasn't worked out at West Ham is a bit of an unknown. There are no reports of attitude issues; Guilherme showed bags of promise before being brought to London and looked competent in the extremely limited minutes he did manage to play.

For whatever reason, he was never trusted or allowed to show what he could really do – even fans of the club have expressed their confusion at the way such an interesting signing failed to even scratch the surface of the hype around him.

But, you know what they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure – and with a move for Guilherme imminent, West Ham's mismanagement could soon make them look silly.

A Sporting Resurgence in the Offing?

Reports around West Ham suggest that Luis Guilherme will leave the club imminently, with a deal already agreed for Sporting to take the Brazilian permanently for a fee around the £17.5m mark.

Nuno looks set to replace the youngster with the muscle of Adama Traore in a move which would say a lot about the direction he is looking to take the club.

But from Sporting's point of view, the deal for Guilherme is a no-brainer.

The Portuguese side have a history of developing talent, both produced by their own academy and brought in for reasonable sums before turning them into big-stage talents.

And although Guilherme's career hasn't quite ignited in the way many thought it would, the talent is still there, and the right coaching will no doubt turn him into an asset who can at least be sold on for profit down the line.

Not only does the move to the Portuguese giants give him a new chance to prove his worth, it also allows his development to regain its footing away from the bright lights and scrutiny that come with playing in the Premier League.

Guilherme will be able to regain the confidence and spark that gave him such a glowing reputation in Brazil, whilst gaining valuable experience in a competitive league and a premium European competition in the Champions League.

West Ham have reportedly been smart enough to insert a sell-on clause into the deal, showing they clearly believe Guilherme has what it takes but just did not have the understanding of how to nurture such a bright star without extinguishing its light.

If this move does go through, which it likely will, keep an eye out for Luis Guilherme. At 19 years of age, he still has his whole career ahead of him, and the mistreatment he has faced won't define his career.

The next fairytale footballing story could be about to be born. Remember the name, Luis Guilherme.