Dan Bardell has commended West Ham United for securing the early signing of Luis Guilherme but has also issued a word of caution using a Crystal Palace example to highlight the uncertainties in such transfers.
The Hammers finalized the acquisition of the 18-year-old Brazilian forward, who reportedly attracted interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer [The Athletic]. While there is considerable excitement surrounding this deal for the South American talent, Bardell referenced Crystal Palace’s experience with Brazilian Matheus Franca as a reminder of the risks involved. Franca, signed last August for an initial fee of £17 million plus £9 million in add-ons, struggled significantly in his first season, making only one start and totaling 224 minutes in the Premier League [BBC Sport].
Bardell, a journalist with talkSPORT and Sky Sports, acknowledged Guilherme’s potential but emphasized the unpredictability of such transfers. In an exclusive interview with West Ham Zone, Bardell stated, “It’s good to get someone like that through the door early because a player from South America is going to need a proper pre-season with the club and now he’s going to get that. He’s very highly rated, it potentially shows a change in how West Ham are going to operate in the transfer market. It is an interesting signing. Hopefully for West Ham’s sake, it goes better than Franca did with Crystal Palace because he barely played last season. If he’s half as good as the last Brazilian they signed in Lucas Paqueta then he’ll be fine.”
The pursuit of Guilherme demonstrated the determination of Hammers technical director Tim Steidten, who navigated several twists and turns over many weeks, even covering all taxes related to the deal with Palmeiras [UOL Band], potentially expediting the process.
Steidten has been active early in the summer, possibly aiming to showcase his effectiveness after disagreements with former manager David Moyes over transfers last year. Despite setbacks like the failed deal for Fabricio Bruno, West Ham is expected to remain active in the transfer market this off-season.
Guilherme, sought after by top clubs across Europe, has opted for a move to London Stadium this summer, indicating expectations of significant playing time under Julen Lopetegui that should excite West Ham fans.
