In an exciting start to the week star Luis Guilherme has touched down to sign for West Ham says a board insider.
A new arrival is inbound – quite literally – at West Ham.
There has been claim and counter claim about West Ham’s on-off move to sign Luis Guilherme over the last couple of weeks.
On Saturday a report from Brazil claimed Guilherme was set to fly to London that day to have his Hammers medical.
The teenage Brazilian ace has been released for his medical after West Ham agreed a deal with Palmeiras worth a total of around £25m including add-ons.
That never materialised but they were only around 24 hours out it seems.
Contrasting claims over Guilherme medical
And there was some uncertainty over exactly when Guilherme might come to England for his medical given he is currently with the Brazil Under 20 squad.
West Ham insider Sean Whetstone claimed the Hammers may have to wait until Friday to get an idea of when Guilherme might be available to come to London.
Given the reported interest from other clubs – and one in particular who has reportedly been trying to hijack West Ham’s move – that was an obvious concern.
But there’s been a major development on Monday.
Because star Guilherme left Brazil touched down to sign for West Ham says a board insider.
Guilherme touches down to sign for West Ham
The 18-year-old landed at London Heathrow just before 7.30am on Monday morning.
West Ham’s imminent first summer signing left Sao Paulo airport at 4pm Brazil time yesterday.
Now he is en route to have his medical – presumably at Spire Roding – before signing for West Ham according to Whetstone.
“British Airways flight BA246 which took off from Sao Paulo Brazil at 4pm yesterday landed at London Heathrow airport Terminal 3 a few minutes ago,” Whetstone posted on Monday morning.
“The flight is thought to have Palmeiras midfielder Luis Guilherme on board with the Brazilian set to complete a £19.5m move to West Ham this week.”
There is of major excitement in West Ham circles about the arrival of Guilherme.
He has represented Brazil at Under 16 and Under 20 level. And he is being tipped to be a full international.
Guilherme has a rather lofty tag to live up to after being dubbed the ‘new Ronaldinho’ by some experts.
He’s also been compared to West Ham’s own Mohammed Kudus.
Videos show Guilherme is rapid and skilful but lacks end product.
Hammers buying unpolished potential
At 18 that’s understandable and his improvement in that area – as well as his ability to adapt to the best league in the world – will of course make or break his big move to West Ham.
Some Hammers fans have raised concerns about bringing a teenager straight from Brazilian football into the Premier League.
There is always a certain amount of risk attached to any signing. The fact Guilherme is a young star unproven at the top level heightens that risk.
But it looks like technical director Tim Steidten may be about to land a true top level star in the making with this capture.
Guilherme will spend most of the day undertaking a thorough two-part medical.
If all goes well he will become the first signing of Julen Lopetegui’s tenure.
West Ham fans can then expect the usual interviews, announcement video and footage on official club channels in due course this week.