West Ham fans are united in their calls for Graham Potter to take decisive action over Luis Guilherme and Mohammed Kudus.
There was a buzz of anticipation and excitement when Tim Steidten made Brazilian teen Luis Guilherme West Ham’s first signing of last summer.
Steidten had assumed full control of West Ham’s recruitment for the first time since David Moyes’ departure.
So the fact he pushed to bring then 18-year-old Guilherme to east London from Palmeiras as his opening gambit had Hammers fans convinced he must be special.
Particularly as he and the club were willing to splash over £20m to sign the Brazil Under 20 international.
The curious case of Luis Guilherme and West Ham
Fast forward to present day and Steidten followed Julen Lopetegui out of the London Stadium exit midway through the season while Guilherme has barely featured.
Now 19, Guilherme was likened to a fish out of water after the occasional cameo under Lopetegui.
Graham Potter has given Guilherme slightly more opportunity, but not enough as far as many are concerned.
Especially given West Ham have had little to play for and it could have been a good time to give the young star a run of games.
There were reports in January that West Ham’s owners were actively trying to offload Guilherme.
A variety of sources claimed the Guilherme deal was one of the big reasons Steidten was sacked just 18 months into his role as technical director.
Clubs from Saudi, Spain and Holland have been linked with the winger.
Just last month Feyenoord were said to be keen to sign Guilherme this summer.
Meanwhile journalist Alan Nixon also reported that Southampton are keen to have him in the Championship and West Ham are open to a sale if they can recoup as close to their original investment as possible.
Guilherme appeared to make his feelings clear on his West Ham future recently amid speculation of a summer exit.
The reported plan from the start was for Guilherme to be drip-fed in and out of the side to find his feet in the Premier League this season and be ready to succeed Mohammed Kudus next term.
West Ham fans all saying the same thing as action demanded on Kudus and Guilherme
Kudus looks set to be sold this summer with West Ham having to raise funds for signings due to PSR.
The Ghanaian has angered many Hammers supporters with his hot and cold form this season.
Many feel Kudus has only turned up against the top clubs in order to put himself in the shop window. The fact his best games have come away at the likes of Man United, Arsenal and Liverpool provide compelling evidence supporting that theory.
Kudus dropped a 3/10 performance in West Ham’s defeat to Forest.
Potter’s actions during the match were pretty damning as he subbed Kudus off when the Hammers were still chasing the game.
He was replaced by Guilherme and the young Brazilian was more effective in his brief time on the pitch than Kudus had been all match.
Now West Ham fans are all saying the same thing as action is demanded on Kudus and Guilherme.
‘At least he wants to be here’ – Hammers fans have say after Guilherme cameo
Supporters were disappointed with Kudus’ lack of effort against Forest as he was hooked in the second half.
Meanwhile Guilherme has impressed supporters once again.
So much so they are calling for Kudus to be dropped for the game at Ipswich before he is sold and for Guilherme to start as reward for his efforts.
Here’s what West Ham fans have been saying about Guilherme and Kudus ahead of the final game of the season.
West Ham fan and analyst Dan Woffenden says Guilherme has earned the right to start ahead of Kudus at Ipswich.
He said: “One thing is for certain, Luis Guilherme deserves to start against Ipswich. Really positive again today when he came on. Deserves more minutes. I’ve been impressed every time he’s played, lot of potential and talent in there. West Ham have a gem on their hands.”
Another Hammers fan echoed that sentiment, saying: “I’ve been singing his praises since he was at Palmeiras, but can we just start Luis Guilherme against Ipswich.”
A fellow West Ham supporter was more succinct, simply saying: “Luis Guilherme. Serious Talent.”
“Hope we keep him and he gets plenty of game time next season,” another West Ham fan said.
One fan said he’s yet to see Guilherme play poorly, saying: “Haven’t seen him have a bad game really always wants the ball and is direct should have had loads more minutes.”
West Ham fans demand Potter drops Kudus for Guilherme
An angry West Ham fan pointed out another reason Guilherme deserves to start at Ipswich: “At least, unlike Kudus, he seems to care and wants to be here.”
Another Hammers fan agreed, adding: “He really should start next week along with Fullkrug. Drop Kudus to the bench as his stock is hardly going to rocket next Sunday.”
One supporter was critical of Potter for failing to give Guilherme more game time with the Hammers having little to play for.
He said: “Guilherme did more in two minutes than Kudus does in 90. Normally the case when he comes on. Potter’s treatment of him has been criminal.”
“Looks so much better than Kudus – I agree,” another West Ham supporter said.
“Looks hungry and seems like he is trying to prove himself,” another added.
West Ham fan Jon Bish said: “Deserves it. And earned it based on the few cameos he is actually afforded.”
Hammer Tom Atherton said: “Luis Guilherme should have been given more minutes this year, hope we keep hold of him for next year.”
Final word to Brad Palmer who agreed, saying: “Luis Guilherme needs to play more. Looked very sharp again when he played. Hope we keep him and integrate him a lot more next season.”
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