Amid the fall-out following West Ham United’s 3-0 trouncing by Premier League basement boys Wolves, the departure of Luis Guilherme to Sporting Lisbon is likely to go under the radar.
Yet, shortly after the final whistle rang out at Molineux – a jubilant home crowd threatened to be drowned out by the venomous boos from the away end – it’s probably safe to say Luis Guilherme was enjoying a somewhat happier Saturday.
Portuguese giants Sporting overcame any late obstacles to all-but finalise a deal for the Brazil Under-20 international.
What do you think about Luis Guilherme LEAVING West Ham? ✈️ 🇧🇷
Are they giving up on him too soon?
West Ham agreed to sell Luis Guilherme for around £17 million. This means that, less than 24 hours after Niclas Fullkrug made his AC Milan debut in a 1-0 victory which put the Rossoneri at the summit of Serie A, another of West Ham United’s costly Tim Steidten missteps made way.
And unsurprisingly, Guilherme took the chance to ask Mateus Fernandes about life at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Luis Guilherme reveals West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes sold him on Sporting
Mateus Fernandes was handed his Sporting bow by Ruben Amorim in the Portuguese capital back in 2022.
As a graduate of one of the most prosperous academies in European football, West Ham’s summer signing was someone Guilherme was keen to talk to as the winger looks to make up for a season and a half stuck on the bench in East London.
“I spoke with Mateus,” Guilherme told reporters after arriving in Lisbon, via Mais Futebol. “He introduced me to the club, told me it’s a very family-oriented club, and praised the city highly.
“Did I speak with [former Palmeiras teammate and now-Benfica midfielder] Richard Rios? No, I didn’t speak with him. He’s a great player, but right now, I’m playing for Sporting.”
Sporting won the Primeira Liga title twice under Amorim following a two-decade barren spell. The Lions remain in contention for another, albeit FC Porto are currently leading the way.
“I’m very happy to wear this jersey,” adds Guilherme, who started only two Premier League matches in his time with West Ham.
“I hope I can help as soon as possible and, God willing, it will be a great journey.
“Do I believe I’m going to be champion? Absolutely! We believe until the end and we are prepared, God willing, to achieve this title.”
Pablo Felipe is excited to play with Fernandes and Lucas Paqueta
As one sprightly young forward leaves London for Lisbon, another arrives.
West Ham signed ex-Gil Vicente talisman Pablo Felipe on Friday to the tune of £17.4 million, registering him in time for a place on the bench at Molineux.
Pablo spoke about Mateus Fernandes himself during his official unveiling, though this was hardly a stellar performance from the Portugal Under-21 captain a day later in the Black Country.
Forget Man of the Match, who was the WORST West Ham player today?
And tell us why in the comments
“I am a very unselfish player, but I am technically very good,” Pablo said during his official unveiling. “I enjoy playing, I like to pivot a lot, I am good in the air and I score goals. I know how to score goals, I know my way to goal and I am eager to score lots of goals for West Ham.
“Mateus Fernandes is a great midfielder with unique qualities, great ball control, very good technical skills.
“And [Lucas] Paqueta doesn’t need many words, because for me he’s a phenomenon. A great player. One of the best in the world,” adds the striker, who will have to wait to see Paqueta in action after an injury ruled him out of the doomed Wolves trip.
“I’m very happy to be able to join this group that has great players, world-class players, and I’m here to help and I’m very happy to be part of it.”
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
