There has been a sudden surprise new Luis Guilherme twist for West Ham reported in Brazil on Saturday morning.
West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has already seen two deals for Brazilian players collapse in recent weeks.
The German wanted to bring Corinthians star Wesley Gassova to West Ham but his club kept moving the goalposts on price.
Then West Ham had a deal agreed with Flamengo and Brazil centre-back Fabricio Bruno only for it to fall through.
Reports claimed it was down to the player wanting more money at the 11th hour.
But Hammers News has already reported the real – and understandable – reason the Bruno deal collapsed.
Steidten has since spent two weeks trying to sign teenage sensation Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras.
Steidten’s Samba search to finally pay off?
A move for the 18-year-old also hit turbulence with claim and counter claim about whether the Hammers were going to be able to complete a deal.
Even yesterday a West Ham insider claimed it was still uncertain whether Guilherme would join.
Sean Whetstone said the Hammers were staying tight-lipped on the move amid attempts from another club to hijack it.
He added that West Ham may have to wait until next Friday before they know whether Guilherme will be moving to the London Stadium.
Fabrizio Romano then claimed the deal is all but done with a medical scheduled for next week.
Now a sudden surprise new Guilherme twist for West Ham is being reported in Brazil.
Sudden surprise new Guilherme twist for West Ham
Because according to Nosso Palestra and their associated social media accounts, Guilherme is set for his West Ham medical TODAY.
The site claims Guilherme, currently with Brazil’s Under 20 squad, will physically travel to London today to have his medical and sign for the Hammers.
“The initial tendency is for Luís Guilherme to travel to England this Saturday to undergo medical examinations,” Infos Palestra states.
“If everything goes according to plan, the player will sign with West Ham and say goodbye to Palmeiras.”
Medical in London today claims Brazilian report
It seems the deal has been suddenly expedited due to the involvement of one man well known to Hammers fans of a certain vintage.
Clips on YouTube show Guilherme boasts outrageous skill and pace.
So fans are understandably excited about his undoubted potential.
There have been some concerns raised in West Ham circles too.
Not only about bringing a raw 18-year-old from Brazilian football and straight into the toughest league in the world.
But also about Guilherme’s actual record, which has become something of an elephant in the room.
Steidten appears to finally be getting his man, though. And even sooner than most had thought if the claim out of Brazil proves correct.
Providing all is well with the medical, it is a case of one down and six or seven transfers to go for West Ham in a busy summer ahead.