“One of the best players of his generation” – Who is new West Ham signing Luis Guilherme?

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Done Deal 13.06.2024 – 13:17
| source: Transfermarkt/BBC |
Reading Time: 4 mins

However, unlike West Ham’s typical policy of signing ready-made Premier League stars or prospects from Europe’s top leagues, Guilherme will make the move to London as a relatively unknown quantity. And for the aforementioned sizable sum of money the club are spending on him, West Ham fans would be forgiven for wanting to know all they can about their new star midfielder ahead of next season. So let’s take a look at what Guilherme has done in Brazil and what West Ham fans can expect. 

Where will Luis Guilherme play for West Ham?

Since he made his debut for the club in March of last year, Guilherme has established himself as a handy squad player, capable of playing a number of positions. Over the course of the last two seasons, Guilherme has played on the left wing, right wing, through the middle and even at times as a striker. But, despite being capable of playing a number of roles, there may be a position that suits him best at West Ham next season. “He plays mainly as a right-sided midfielder or a right winger,but has the ability to play in the left and has been even better as a central attacking midfielder,” noted Marcos Watts, Transfermarkt Area Manager for Brazil. “I see him as a proper no.10 in the future.” This will clearly be music to the ears of West Ham fans, who will rightfully be concerned that they may start next season without their star No.10, Lucas Paquetá, who was recently charged on four accounts of potential betting breaches, by the English FA. Should Paquetá face a lengthy ban, Guilherme may be just the man to step in for West Ham next season. 

How good is Luis Guilherme? 

Due to the player’s remarkably young age, it’s difficult to get a clear idea of how good Guilherme actually is. In 45 appearances for Palmeiras across all competitions, the midfielder has managed just one goal and one assist. While his nine appearances for the Brazilian national team’s youth sides have offered up just two goals. But, according to Watts, such figures shouldn’t put West Ham fans off a player with immense potential. “He is a very good player, with potential to be great,” noted the Brazilian football expert. “He might be one of the best players in this new generation of Brazilian wonderkids. He might not have reached the same level of development as his fellow teammates Endrick or Estêvão, but that’s the life of a midfielder/winger sometimes. A move to England – especially to a club outside of the big six – might just set him up in the best environment and give him the perfect amount of time and pressure he needs, all while playing in the best league in the world.” 

With a new head coach appointed in the form of Julen Lopetegui and clear hopes to break into the top four in the future, Guilherme may find that his new club are just as ambitious as he is in their bid to make a name for themselves in the Premier League next season. Whether the young Brazilian talent will be able to hit the ground running in the English top-flight remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that West Ham fans have plenty to be excited about next season.