West Ham United midfielder Guido Rodríguez remains a live option for Palmeiras, but the Brazilian club have decided to place any move on hold while they assess an internal solution.
As we already covered, Rodríguez was offered to Palmeiras in recent weeks. Now according to ESPN Brazil, the club want to evaluate 17-year-old Luís Pacheco before returning to the market.
The teenager has impressed head coach Abel Ferreira, who believes the youngster shows potential beyond that displayed by former Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo at the same stage of his development. Danilo came through Palmeiras’ youth ranks and generated €20m for the club in 2023.
Palmeiras plan to test Pacheco with the first team throughout the first half of the season. Only if that assessment fails to deliver the expected response will the club consider an external reinforcement. In that scenario, Rodríguez is viewed as the priority target.
The Argentine’s contractual position strengthens that possibility. Now 31, Rodríguez is in the final stretch of his deal at West Ham and is already free to sign a pre-contract agreement. His agents are pushing. Also, his limited involvement in England adds weight to the discussion, as he has struggled for minutes this season.
Financial factors also play a role. West Ham consider his £75k a week salary high and would look favourably on an eventual exit. Interest from Juventus and Ajax has also been mentioned, which could add competition.
For now, Palmeiras remain patient. Still, Rodríguez’s availability, contract status and situation at West Ham keep him firmly positioned as the club’s preferred option should they decide to move.
