Profile: Luis Guilherme
All the intel on new signing Luis Guilherme
Age: 18
Nationality: Brazillian
Position: Forward
Transfer fee: £20 million, with an additional £6 million in potential add-ons
"I am very happy to be signing with West Ham United, a club that trusted in my work. Julen Lopetegui showed me his project and I believe I will learn a lot from him. The Premier League is the best league in the world. Since I was 11, I had this dream, and now it is becoming a reality".
BBC Sport
Palmeiras
Born on the 9th of February 2006 in Aracaju, Brazil, Guilherme honed his skills in various local soccer academies, leading him to join the Palmeiras youth setup in 2017. In June 2022, he signed a professional contract.
The following year Guilherme played a role in Palmeiras' triumphant campaign Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, the club's first title in the tournament.
Guilherme made his first-team debut for Palmeiras on the 12th of April 2023, coming off the bench in a 4-2 victory over Tombense in the Copa do Brasil.
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National Team
In 2022, he was called up to represent Brazil at the U17 Montaigu Tournament, where he scored three goals in four games, helping his nation claim the title.
The following year, Guilherme's was selected for the Brazil U20 squad for the 2023 South American U-20 Championship. Despite being the youngest player in the squad in the 21st century, he contributing to Brazil's first U20 South American Championship win in 12 years and securing their spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup after an eight-year absence.
West Ham United
In June 2024, West Ham United announced the signing of Luis Guilherme on a five-year contract. The move, which reportedly cost the Hammers £25.5 million, was hailed as a significant coup, with several Premier League clubs vying for the Brazilian's signature.
West Ham's Technical Director, Tim Steidten, and Head Coach, Julen Lopetegui, identified Luis Guilherme as a priority target. Steidten expressed his delight at securing the services of one of Brazil's most promising young talents.
With the potential multi-year ban looming over Brazilian international Lucas Paquetá for alleged breaches of betting rules, Luis Guilherme's acquisition takes on added significance. Paquetá's creative prowess and ability to unlock defences were instrumental in West Ham's ninth-placed finish last season, and replacing his skillset will be essential for the club's ambitions.
Career Overview
Palmeiras (2023-2024)
Matches: 30
West Ham United (2024-Present
Honours as a Player
Club Level:
Palmeiras:
Brazilian Serie A: 2023
São Paulo State Championship: 2024
Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior: 2022
International Level:
Brazil U17:
Montaigu Tournament: 2022
Brazil U20:
South American U-20 Championship: 2023