With reports linking West Ham to Adama Traore in the January transfer window — who celebrates his 30th birthday that month — Claret & Hugh understands the club are open to parting ways with Brazilian starlet Luis Guilherme.
Martin wrote about this earlier, and since then further reports from Brazilian outlets are claiming the youngster’s representatives are exploring new destinations.
At just 19 years old, he arrived with a reputation as one of South America’s brightest prospects — a left-footed right winger with flair, pace, and creativity. His youth career at Palmeiras and six caps for Brazil’s U20 team suggested a player ready to explode onto the European stage.
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Yet, over a year later, Guilherme has barely featured. Under three different managers — Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter, and Nuno Espírito Santo — he’s been consistently overlooked. His Premier League minutes so far this season? Just 54. Guilherme’s 2025/26 campaign has been a ghost season: no goals, no assists, and barely any time on the pitch.
Luis Guilherme looks set to leave West Ham
Dropped from Brazil and ignored at West Ham
Last season wasn’t much better — just 13 appearances across all competitions and a total of 144 minutes.
More worrying is that Guilherme was dropped by both the Brazilian U20 and U21 teams. His last appearance came in a friendly against Mexico in September 2024.
His profile still lists him as a U21 player at West Ham, yet even there he’s been conspicuously absent. Many supporters are asking: why hasn’t he featured for West Ham’s U21s to build rhythm and confidence?
For a 19-year-old struggling to break into the first team, U21 matches should be a natural platform. Whether it’s a club decision, fitness issue, or personal preference, the lack of minutes at any level is a red flag.
Before signing with West Ham, Guilherme was reportedly monitored by several top European clubs. That makes his current stagnation even more puzzling. According to a report by The Athletic seven months ago, the youngster received poor feedback on his performances in training. Tim Steidten also admitted shortly after his dismissal that signing Guilherme was a mistake, calling it his “one regret” from his time at the club.
On a personal note, from the fleeting appearances I’ve seen, I believe there’s a player in there. Yet sadly, Luis Guilherme’s situation is a cautionary tale of high expectations, managerial turnover, and unclear development pathways. West Ham invested heavily in a player who now risks becoming a forgotten talent.