West Ham United do have issues under Julen Lopetegui with the ‘coach’s favourites’ being backed more than those recruited, seemingly, by the club’s technical director Tim Steidten or Chairman David Sullivan. Some are left to languish – Tim Steidten’s ‘pearl’ being a case in point: Always the substitute, Luis Guilherme cannot seem to get a start or even a few minutes under Lopetegui’s steely stare.
Crysencio Summerville was another who was clearly not a Lopetegui favourite to start the season: Widely recognised as a Sullivan ‘punt’, the head coach had shunned him for several of the early games but it would seem he’s forced himself into Lopetegui’s thinking now West Ham have to restructure without Antonio.
Another who can’t even make it into the squad is Brazilian centre back Luizão. A curious, free signing under David Moyes’ regime, the speculative acquisition could yet prove good for the Hammers if they manage to sell him back to Brazil for any fee. The asking price of £4 million from the start of this year seems highly unlikely to be reached – it would seem time to cut their losses and let the poor young man escape back across the Atlantic and try and restart his career.
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22 years old and still no debut for the senior squad, it is clear he isn’t up to Premier League standards and successive head coaches have rejected him now. Whatever you call an oyster without a pearl inside, Luizão deserves a second chance and should be allowed to leave the club in January: Sport Witness
claim he will be allowed to leave on-loan with an option to buy – which will be a blessed relief for the player I’m sure.