A Sky Sports journalist has made shock new claims about West Ham moves for a Brazilian duo and it may surprise some.
West Ham are on the verge of landing their first signing of the summer at the third time of asking.
The Hammers are gearing up to unveil Brazilian midfielder Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras in a £25m deal.
It comes after technical director failed with bids for Corinthians winger Wesley Gassova and Flamengo centre-back Fabricio Bruno.
While the West Ham deal for Gassova did not get past haggling over the fee, the Bruno deal collapsed at the 11th hour.
Rumours circulated that was after Bruno demanded more money.
But it has since been reported he actually resisted the move to West Ham as his wife is pregnant and they wanted to remain in Brazil.
There has been much debate over the imminent Guilherme capture in Hammers circles.
West Ham’s Brazilian gamble
Until a couple of weeks ago, most West Ham fans and Premier League journalists had never heard of the 18-year-old.
He has just one assist and one goal to his name since breaking into the Palmeiras team last season.
Some fans feel splashing £25m to bring a young and clearly raw player straight from Brazilian football to the best league in the world is a big risk.
Given West Ham only have £100m to spend on around eight signings, using up a quarter of the budget on Guilherme suggests he is very much being seen as a potentially key player.
Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten are very keen to strengthen the backline. It is reported they want two new centre-backs this summer.
Since the collapse of Bruno deal, the Hammers have been linked with a host of alternatives.
But now a Sky Sports journalist has made surprise claims about the West Ham moves for the Brazilian duo.
Shock new claims about moves for Brazilian duo
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has been speaking about the Hammers deals for Guilherme and the one involving 28-year-old defender Bruno.
Plettenberg claims discussions have been taking place to try and rescue the Bruno deal.
But it finally looks dead as West Ham have yesterday made a ‘clear decision’ not to bow to his demands.
“Understand Fabricio Bruno to West Ham, deal is currently off!” Plettenberg said.
“Verbal agreement was done but then clubs from Saudi Arabia showed concrete interest. After that, new salary demands were made to West Ham.
“But clear decision: West Ham bosses does not want to meet these demands and have informed the players management about that.”
Plettenberg then made a surprise revelation about the Guilherme deal.
‘Guilherme signed as prospect player for future’
West Ham are finalising his medical and media package ahead of the teenager’s big reveal.
And Plettenberg has claimed the Brazil Under 20 star is being seen as a ‘prospect player for future years’ rather than a signing to make an instant impact.
“Luis Guilherme is planned as a prospect player in whom West Ham has a lot of confidence in the next years!” Plettenberg added.
“Medical scheduled for this afternoon (Monday).
“After that, the 18 y/o winger is supposed to sign a contract until 2029. Palmeiras will receive around €23m (£19.5m) guaranteed plus add-ons.”
That’s some fee to spend on a prospect player for a club like West Ham.
Especially given the major rebuild needed and the limited funds Steidten and Lopetegui have to do it.
Let’s hope Guilherme proves himself sooner rather than later.
But as Hammers News warned fans last week, West Ham are very much signing potential in Guilherme and time and expectations should be adjusted as such.
READ ALSO
Lopetegui finally backed to do a good job at West Ham as ex star speaks
Di Marzio claims West Ham are preparing bid for new Serie A star
Sky Sports revelation will make fans feel better about Guilherme signing
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
