Sporting CP have found an unexpected solution in Luís Guilherme, with Record reporting the youngster has become a revelation under Rui Borges since arriving from West Ham United.
The 20-year-old arrived in January as a long-term project. However, his rapid adaptation has already forced his manager to rethink plans.
Rui Borges has publicly praised the Brazilian’s attitude in both training and matches, and internally the coaching staff are said to be impressed by how quickly he absorbed tactical instructions.
Record describe a player who was “lost” in the Premier League. At West Ham, Guilherme managed just five appearances in the first half of the 2025/26 season. Sporting moved decisively in January, investing £12m (€14m) plus a further £2.6m (€3m) in achievable bonuses to bring him to Lisbon.
Work ethic catching attention since West Ham move
Since then, Guilherme’s impact has surprised even those who pushed for his signing. After his recent display against Moreirense, Rui Borges reportedly reinforced his positive assessment of a player who trains at full intensity and regularly stays behind for extra tactical and finishing drills.
In addition, the Brazilian carefully manages his diet and reviews every one of his matches at home. That level of application has stood out at the training centre, where commitment and detail are non-negotiable.
His football education also plays a part. During his six years in Brazilian side Palmeiras’ academy, Guilherme operated as a left-back in seven-a-side football, a box-to-box midfielder and even a false nine. As a result, the left-footer reads the game quickly and understands teammates’ movements with ease.
Record go further and note that, stylistically, he has been compared to Rivaldo. That is not a light comparison… Yet Sporting believe his personality and maturity justify the optimism.
Away from the pitch, he is described as reserved and disciplined. He married his long-time partner, Giovana, at 19 and continues to follow the structured upbringing shaped by his move from Northeastern Brazil to São Paulo at a young age.
A lesson for West Ham?
West Ham
For West Ham, this development inevitably raises questions. The Hammers signed Guilherme as part of their broader investment in young Brazilian talent. However, limited minutes underlined how difficult the Premier League transition can be.
Sporting’s willingness to pay £12m upfront suggests they saw value others could not unlock. If his trajectory continues, West Ham may reflect on whether they moved too soon or simply failed to provide the right platform.
Either way, Guilherme’s resurgence in Portugal highlights how context and confidence can transform a career in a matter of weeks.