West Ham United’s decision to potentially sell Luis Guilherme to Al Hilal reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the club as they look to navigate a difficult season. According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the Hammers are willing to listen to offers for the highly-rated Brazilian winger, with Al Hilal having explored the conditions for a potential deal. This move comes just months after Guilherme’s much-anticipated £25 million transfer from Palmeiras in the summer, a deal that initially sparked excitement among West Ham fans who hoped the teenager could bring flair and creativity to the squad.
However, despite being recognized as a high-potential talent, Guilherme has struggled to make an impact at the London Stadium. Limited to just five appearances across all competitions, the 18-year-old has found opportunities hard to come by. This lack of game time has hampered his development and made it increasingly difficult for him to justify his place in a squad currently battling to escape the clutches of relegation. With manager Graham Potter tasked with stabilizing the club following Julen Lopetegui’s underwhelming tenure, sacrifices are necessary to fund a much-needed squad rebuild. Unfortunately for Guilherme, he appears to be one of the more expendable assets in the current setup.
Financially, the deal is far from ideal for West Ham. Reports from Fabrizio Romano suggest the club is prepared to take a £10 million loss on the player, a bitter pill to swallow given the high hopes surrounding his arrival. The Irons had hoped to recoup the £25 million they spent on his services but now face the reality of selling him for around £15 million. Nevertheless, the funds generated from his sale could be reinvested in strengthening key areas of the squad, especially with Potter eager to reshape the team to match his tactical vision.
The sale of Guilherme also highlights the broader financial challenges facing West Ham. The club’s attempts to sign Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran, for instance, have reportedly fallen short, leaving the Hammers outbid and struggling to compete for top targets. Moreover, the looming threat of Premier League Sustainability Rules (PSR) sanctions adds further pressure, forcing the club to make difficult decisions regarding player sales and acquisitions. Guilherme’s departure, while unfortunate, could provide some breathing room in the transfer market.
Despite the financial and practical rationale behind the move, Guilherme’s exit would still be a disappointment for many fans. When the young Brazilian made the bold decision to leave his homeland for the Premier League at just 18 years old, it demonstrated his ambition and desire to compete at the highest level. A move to Saudi Arabia, however, may not align with these aspirations. The Saudi Pro League, while lucrative, may not provide the competitive environment he initially sought when he left Palmeiras.
If Guilherme does reject Al Hilal’s advances, West Ham will face the challenge of either finding another buyer or reassessing his role within the squad. It’s possible that a loan move could offer a compromise, allowing him to gain valuable experience and potentially return as a more polished player. For now, his future remains uncertain, but what is clear is that his time at West Ham has not gone as planned.
As the January transfer window progresses, West Ham’s handling of this situation will be closely watched. The decision to part ways with Guilherme underscores the difficult balancing act the club faces: managing short-term survival while attempting to build for the future. Whether his departure proves to be the right call or a missed opportunity will likely depend on how the funds from his sale are reinvested—and how Guilherme’s career unfolds elsewhere.