A Brazilian journalist has spoken exclusively to Hammers News about the signing of Luis Guilherme and it will have West Ham dreaming.
West Ham proudly announced the “exciting” capture of Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras this week.
Guilherme becomes the first signing of the post David Moyes era.
And represents a clear change in transfer policy and strategy from West Ham under the leadership of technical Tim Steidten.
Hammers supporters have been excited about the capture of Guilherme given Steidten’s track record.
But until a couple of weeks ago, the 18-year-old was unknown to the vast majority of English fans and media.
There is of course excitement in West Ham circles about the arrival of Guilherme, a Brazil Under 20 international.
Excitement and scepticism over West Ham new boy
Especially as videos show Guilherme to be powerful, rapid and skilful – key ingredients needed to thrive in the Premier League.
There have been doubts and some cynicism, though.
Some have raised concerns about bringing such a young boy straight into the world’s toughest league from Brazilian football.
Many have pointed out the elephant in the room of Guilherme’s statistics.
There is also scepticism attached to the fact West Ham’s new £25m man has been dubbed the ‘new Ronaldinho’ and been likened to Rivaldo – monikers we’ve seen placed on players all too readily in South America. Monikers few, if any, ever live up to.
On the flip side, since West Ham announced Guilherme’s capture, it has been claimed Tim Steidten beat five elite clubs to his his signature.
So we sought the knowledge of a true expert on the subject.
Brazilian journalist’s claim will have West Ham dreaming
And a Brazilian journalist’s claim about Guilherme will have West Ham dreaming.
Henrique Toth is a Brazilian football writer for the likes of Vamo Futebol and expert in all things Palmeiras.
If there’s anything he doesn’t know about Guilherme and Brazilian football, it’s probably not worth knowing.
Hammers News has spoken exclusively to Toth about West Ham signing Guilherme.
And he has allayed any fears or doubts, saying the Hammers have a ‘very special’ player on our hands.
Just so long as Julen Lopetegui lets him express himself.
He says Palmeiras are devastated to see him go. A fact underlined by their emotional farewell post to him on social media, remembering his rise through the ranks.
They said: “Seven years of remarkable moments and unforgettable titles shared together! The Palmeiras Family will always be rooting for your success, Luis Guilherme! Thank you.”
Toth also revealed the co-ordinator of Palmeiras’ youth teams always put Guilherme’s teammate Endrick – the striker sensation who has now signed for Real Madrid – on a level footing with West Ham’s new arrival.
“I always found it curious how Joao Paulo, coordinator of Palmeiras youth teams, treated Luis Guilherme and Endrick,” Toth told Hammers News.
‘Endrick and Guilherme were Batman and Batman’
“He said it was the “Batman- Batman duo” because it was impossible to call one of them “Robin” due to their role as protagonists. They (Guilherme and Endrick) were promoted in all categories (up to the first team) side by side.
“Here at Palmeiras he faced a dilemma: he liked to play as a central midfielder, but (manager) Abel Ferreira liked him on the wing.
“Palmeiras is the winningest team in recent years in South American football. The demands of more than 16 million fans are high. That said, Abel Ferreira needs to manage a difficult task: launching young players like Endrick, Estevao and Luis Guilherme – but continuing to win titles.
“And not always a great promise, like Endrick and Guilherme, rise to the professional level already corresponding. Endrick, for example, had a 2023 of ups and downs. He was little used for a long period, until it became decisive at the end of the year.
“For you to understand how Abel Ferreira works with young promises, it takes time. In 2022, Abel said that Endrick and Luis needed to “go to Disney”, be boys, before really integrating into the professional world.
“It’s worth looking at the numbers more carefully. In 2023, the year Luis became a professional, he played 27 games. Do you know how many as starters? Only four. In 2024, he played 18 games, six as a starter. He has played just over 1,345 minutes as a professional.
‘Hammers have very special talent on their hands’
“Another factor influenced Luis Guilherme at Palmeiras. Positioning. Luis likes to play as a central midfielder, but Abel Ferreira liked him open on the wing. In the middle he can use more of his skill and vision, while on the wing he uses all his explosiveness. The kid has long legs lol. I think he performs well in both positions. I prefer it not to be fixed in just one. But of course, he needs to continue improving in his submissions.
“I believe that West Ham fans should not get attached to the number of goals and assists. Know that Palmeiras fans regret Luis Guilherme’s early departure and many say that Abel Ferreira used him less than he should have. You have a VERY promising player on your hands.
“The “new Peles, new Ronaldinhos, new Ronaldos” has always been a problem for us in Brazil. A lot of pressure on young players. That’s why Abel Ferreira “sent” them to Disney.
“I really believe that Luis Guilherme can become a great player. He is a centered boy, something very important these days. He has plenty of quality. The pragmatism of European football can make him evolve a lot in tactical and collective terms.
“But please, let the kid dribble and make his plays. Pele, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and co were only who they were because of what they did with the ball at their feet.”
And finally for West Ham fans, how should we pronounce our new Samba star’s name?
Toth states: “The pronunciation is like this: GUI (like is said on GI…ggs) plus LHERME. I imagine it’s difficult to pronounce the H in “guilHerme”. But it’s almost a “LIERME”.”