With reports linking West Ham to Adama Traore in the January transfer window — who celebrates his 30th birthday that month — Claret & Hugh understands the club are open to parting ways with Brazilian starlet Luis Guilherme.
Martin wrote about this earlier, and since then further reports from Brazilian outlets are claiming the youngster’s representatives are exploring new destinations.
At just 19 years old, he arrived with a reputation as one of South America’s brightest prospects — a left-footed right winger with flair, pace, and creativity. His youth career at Palmeiras and six caps for Brazil’s U20 team suggested a player ready to explode onto the European stage.
Yet, over a year later, Guilherme has barely featured. Under three different managers — Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter, and Nuno Espírito Santo — he’s been consistently overlooked. His Premier League minutes so far this season? Just 54. Guilherme’s 2025/26 campaign has been a ghost season: no goals, no assists, and barely any time on the pitch.
Luis Guilherme looks set to leave West Ham
Dropped from Brazil and ignored at West Ham
Last season wasn’t much better — just 13 appearances across all competitions and a total of 144 minutes.
More worrying is that Guilherme was dropped by both the Brazilian U20 and U21 teams. His last appearance came in a friendly against Mexico in September 2024.
His profile still lists him as a U21 player at West Ham, yet even there he’s been conspicuously absent. Many supporters are asking: why hasn’t he featured for West Ham’s U21s to build rhythm and confidence?
For a 19-year-old struggling to break into the first team, U21 matches should be a natural platform. Whether it’s a club decision, fitness issue, or personal preference, the lack of minutes at any level is a red flag.
Before signing with West Ham, Guilherme was reportedly monitored by several top European clubs. That makes his current stagnation even more puzzling. According to a report by The Athletic seven months ago, the youngster received poor feedback on his performances in training. Tim Steidten also admitted shortly after his dismissal that signing Guilherme was a mistake, calling it his “one regret” from his time at the club.
On a personal note, from the fleeting appearances I’ve seen, I believe there’s a player in there. Yet sadly, Luis Guilherme’s situation is a cautionary tale of high expectations, managerial turnover, and unclear development pathways. West Ham invested heavily in a player who now risks becoming a forgotten talent.
We do not need Traore. Nothing to offer apart from running around like a demented Lemming . Guilherme is young and has room to improve over the next couple of seasons . Concentrate on the areas that matter . COYI
Steidten – my one regret?!!!! Fulkrug and Tobido aren’t exactly vfm!!
I feel for Guilherme as a young man. But as an overpaid, over valued professional footballer he has certainly not proved vfm.
That said, nor is Adam Traore.
Sell one, do not purchase the other!
He’s only 19, has a lot of pace, good control and an excellent mindset. A future star. Madness to sell.
wrong he’s been below average. 3 different managers haven’t been impressed and we have better players coming out of the academy if we can cash in and recoup half the 30 mill then i think that’s for the best. especially with the fourth-coming expected losses in Jan
I don’t think he’s been given a chance to stake a claim to an u21 or first team spot. It seems strange that he hasn’t played for the u21s
If he’s going to be sold hopefully if won’t be for some under valued fee just to get shot of him.
Something which whu do regularly.
Still a mistake on club’s behalf.
LG rarely plays, won’t make much difference on that score to most of us
Still can’t understand why we wasted so much money on him. Another bizarre signing
This cannot be allowed to happen. Traoré is truly awful and makes Modibo Maiga look world class