West Ham United initially stuttered over selling Luis Guilherme to Sporting CP during the January transfer window. The Lisbon club had been keen on a deal for weeks ahead of the market, although the Hammers initially preferred a loan.
Despite Luis Guilherme struggling to impress for the Premier League club, hope hadn’t been extinguished of a change in fortunes. Instead, West Ham changed their tune and ended up agreeing a permanent exit.
That has given them some funds to add to the kitty this month. Whether it will be Nuno Espirito Santo or someone else spending it isn’t clear, but the Hammers are already bringing players in.
On Saturday, SportWitness’ Pedro Reinert explained how West Ham have accepted a structured loss for the Brazilian. Crucially, the Hammers have secured themselves a percentage of any future profit.
West Ham will hope for a Viktor Gyökeres style rise
Sporting have a world class reputation for developing players, even ones who have struggled elsewhere. Should they manage to do similar with Luis Guilherme as they did with Viktor Gyökeres then the cash will flow.
The Arsenal player was 27-years-of-age when he moved to Arsenal in the summer, and Luis Guilherme is still only 19. The slant in Portugal is that Sporting have got one for the future.
West Ham percentage will be desired by everyone
Portuguese newspaper Record caught up with the Brazilian as he arrived at Humberto Delgado Airport.
“I want to help,” said the winger. “I believe we will be champions, for sure. You have to believe until the end. It will be difficult, but we are prepared to win this title. God willing, it will be a great journey.”
Luis Guilherme also revealed some input from his West Ham teammate Mateus Fernandes: “He introduced me to the club and also spoke very highly of the team. I’m very happy to be here.”
Sporting CP will pay West Ham United an initial €14m for the player. A further €3m is available in potential bonus payments.
All parties will hope Luis Guilherme can impress and then see the Hammers receive their percentage of a future big transfer. That’s very much Sporting’s plan, as they remain a selling club.
