West Ham United have completed the signing of winger Luis Guilherme, making him their first signing of the summer transfer window and the first since Julen Lopetegui was appointed head coach.
Luis Guilherme, 18, joins from Brazilian side Palmeiras on a five-year contract. The transfer is subject to international clearance and a work permit.
He will officially become a West Ham player when the summer transfer window opens on Friday 14 June.
The boy from Brazil is Claret and Blue ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/QepeRsWxpt
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 13, 2024
“If things go well, we have a beautiful journey ahead," said Luis Guilherme to the club's official website.
“The head coach and I already had a conversation. He showed me his project and I believe I’ll learn a lot from him. He’s coached at the national level in Spain and managed big clubs.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world. I believe I’ll improve a lot here with the entire staff at West Ham, which is crucial for my development. Since I was eleven, I had this dream, and now it’s becoming a reality."
Luis Guilherme will link up with his new team-mates for pre-season training in early July. You can see Premier League clubs' 2024/25 preparation matches here.
Who is Luis Guilherme?
Luis Guilherme was born in Aracaju, Brazil on 9 February 2006.
West Ham say: "He is considered one of the most exciting prospects in South American football and, despite his tender years, has already made 40 senior appearances for Palmeiras, won the Brazilian Serie A title, played in the Copa Libertadores and been capped by his country at Under-20 level.
"A technically gifted attacking player blessed with searing pace and acceleration, elusive dribbling skills and a superb left foot, Luis Guilherme is a hugely promising talent who was identified as a priority target by Technical Director Tim Steidten and Head Coach Julen Lopetegui."
Seven things you need to know about Luis Guilherme
Luis Guilherme joined Palmeiras's youth set-up and climbed up the ranks to the first team, making his senior debut on 13 April 2023, aged 17. He made 45 senior appearances before moving to England.
He formed a deadly partnership with soon-to-be Real Madrid player Endrick and together they lifted the Brasil 2023 Championship.
Luis Guilherme has played at Under-17 level for Brazil, with whom he won the Under-20 South American Championship, beating Uruguay 2-0 in the final.
