Spare a thought for Luis Guilherme, the original poster boy of West Ham’s transfer window.
With so many players coming through the revolving doors at the London Stadium, the signing of the Brazilian wonder kid seems like a distant memory. Yet, it was only last month when many Hammers fans were excitedly anticipating watching one of South America’s brightest young talents shine in the Claret & Blue (with a green blob on the sleeve).
The 18-year-old must have been overwhelmed by the hype surrounding his arrival, which starkly contrasts with the reality of his first match day.
Guilherme looked somewhat underwhelmed as he sat in row Z of West Ham’s vast dugout, gazing at the substitutes sat in front of him. The £23m Brazilian trickster might be wondering if his exclusion from Julen Lopetegui’s squad matches what was in the brochure when he signed for the club.
Whilst he likely wasn’t promised a starting spot upon signing, he may have dreamed of coming off the bench and making a significant impact and becoming a viable option.
Guilherme will need to be patient and adjust to a new league, language, and country, which is reasonable given his age. Nonetheless, it feels like a long way from the giddy heights which greeted his signing.
The South American football expert, Tim Vickery stayed publicly before we signed Guilherme, that he was not ready for the Premier League. Said maybe 12 or 18 months down the line. So I guess any earlier than that is a bonus.
Official Website said this on 17th June
“[Tim Vickery]……gave a detailed insight into how the 18-year-old could fit into Julen Lopetegui’s team, his strengths and, first, his potential, as he is not yet the finished product.”
https://www.whufc.com/news/south-american-football-expert-tim-vickery-luis-guilhermes-pace-physical-presence-and
INot sure we’re in a position as a club to sign a kid for 25m and not have him feature for 1-2 years. I do commend the business that we’ve done, but surely we could have invested in a player in Duran who is one for the future AND first team ready.
And yet he played the week before in the Betway Cup so that hardly suggests he is outside the manager’s thoughts. Interested in some evidence that he was underwhelmed, a dog whistle comment to suggest he is already unsettled. He is eighteen. First game of the season, once injuries, suspensions and lack of form kick in isn’t he likely to find himself on the bench and getting some game time? Yes it may be some time before he gets to be a starter but sitting on ‘Row Z of the bench’ and seeing what’s involved in playing in the PL one would hope he understands why.
Waste of 20 odd million in my opinion. Too far down the pecking order and at that price you’d think he ought to be a 1st team starter.
Sorry but I think that’s bull ****…if he’s good enough he’s old enough….wasn’t we watching a 16 year old score goals in the euroes for.spain ? …the age isn’t the problem..its management not having enough faith in him …how will we know if hes not even getting 20 min ….he may hit the ground running but won’t know until he gets on the pitch ….what you got to lose ..give him.a chance straight away..he may surprise everyone….he’s 18 ffs so not like he’s 15