Sports
Sporting CP open talks to sign West Ham forward Luis Guilherme
Primeira Liga champions Sporting CP have now opened talks to sign an ‘electric’ West Ham player, according to a new report.
West Ham’s January transfer window strategy continues to evolve as manager Nuno Espírito Santo finalises his priorities for the crucial mid-season period.
The Portuguese faces mounting pressure to strengthen his squad during the coming weeks, with the Hammers desperately seeking reinforcements in multiple positions to aid their survival battle.
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He’s made a January admission.
Sky Sports revealed that acquiring a new number nine is West Ham’s primary objective ahead of the February deadline, coming after Niclas Füllkrug completed a loan move to AC Milan.
The Hammers find themselves dangerously short of quality in the final third, despite spending heavily on recruitment in recent transfer windows.
Their search for attacking upgrades extends beyond just signing a new striker as well.
West Ham’s interest in Fulham’s Adama Traoré represents the clearest indication of Nuno’s desire to bring in a new wide man. The Spaniard worked successfully under Nuno during their time together at Molineux, with Traore also entering the final six months of his contract at Craven Cottage.
He could be available for a reduced fee, and reports suggest that Traore is expected to join West Ham ahead of other suitors like former club Wolves.
If the 29-year-old does arrive in east London, this could well open the door for Brazilian starlet Luis Guilherme to leave.
Sporting CP open talks to sign Luis Guilherme from West Ham
Guilherme’s situation epitomizes the challenges facing West Ham’s recruitment strategy.
Former technical director Tim Steidten sanctioned his £25 million signing in the summer of 2024, but despite arriving with a glowing reputation as one of South America’s brightest prospects, he hasn’t lived up to the hype.
The teenager had also impressed at youth international level, contributing to Brazil’s first Under-20 South American Championship triumph in twelve years.
However, the transition to English football has proven desperately difficult for the young winger.
Guilherme has managed just 121 minutes of Premier League action across the entire campaign, with Nuno hauling him off at half-time after giving him a rare start against Bournemouth recently.
The forward has also failed to register either a goal or an assist in 18 total appearances for the Hammers, with reports from Portugal now claiming that Sporting CP have opened talks to sign Guilherme from West Ham.
Journalist Bruno Andrade has told Maisfutebol.com that Rui Borges’ league champions have identified him as a top target heading into January, as they look to cover for the losses of Geovany Quenda through injury and Geny Catamo’s departure to AFCON.
That being said, Sky Sports claimed following a recent interview with Nuno that Guilherme does not want to leave West Ham despite the lack of opportunities.
The attacker apparently insisted that he wants to stay and fight for his place at the London Stadium, and remains determined to prove his worth to Nuno.
This could complicate matters for Sporting, with Guilherme seemingly not giving up on his West Ham career just yet.
ExWHUemployee says ‘top-class’ player is now keen to join West Ham in January
The Hammers are equally interested.
