Luis Guilherme appeared to be in high spirits in the build-up West Ham’s Carabao Cup match against Bournemouth at the London Stadium.
The £25m Brazilian wonderkid hinted on social media that he might be set to make his full debut for the Hammers, with some fans speculating he could even start. However, as West Ham secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Cherries, it became clear that the young winger would miss out once again.
It feels like a long time since West Ham’s Director of Football, Tim Steidten, made the trip to Brazil to secure one of the country’s hottest talents and bring him to East London. While few expected Guilherme to start ahead of the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, many anticipated that he would get some playing time.
The Palmeiras whiz kid was notably absent from the substitutes’ bench in the first game of the season against Aston Villa, making the League Cup a prime opportunity for him to ease into first-team football. The fact that he still hasn’t seen any game time thus far is telling, and it raises the question of whether a six-month loan might be more beneficial.
Assuming his talent is undeniable, it seems likely that Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui doesn’t yet believe Guilherme is physically ready for Premier League or even Cup football. Therefore, a short loan in the Championship, where he can play regularly, may be more advantageous than merely training with the first team without playing.
Based on Guilherme’s social media posts and his comments during his unveiling at West Ham, he seemed to expect to be playing regularly. However, the evidence from the first three games suggests otherwise.
While it might be controversial to send a new signing out on loan immediately, it’s a strategy other clubs often employ, and in this case, it might be the best option for all parties involved.
I’m sure he would have got on if we weren’t playing such utter garbage and didn’t need to pull the rip cord and bring on the experienced players to get the win. That said he’s very much on the periphery so loan sounds sensible.
Agree with that, somewhere like Ipswich although if Kudus is injured he might get the game time here.
No….we must keep him in the squad. He won’t benefit from a move anywhere as he’s where he needs to be in terms of his development. Put him on the bench, play him after an hour if we’re winning and whilst there’s no pressure on the lad.
….. Ipswich certainly don’t need another winger having just signed two.
We are in cup and league matches…….keep him!!!!!
agreed its those early cup games against lower league opposition where he would be beneficial at this stage in his development. I’m eager to see him integrate with us. COYI