West Ham United are preparing to send 18-year-old Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme out on loan before the transfer window closes, with Porto leading a late push to secure his services. According to O Jogo, Porto has initiated exploratory talks, while Sporting CP, Feyenoord, and Shakhtar Donetsk have also shown interest in the highly rated young attacker.

A Difficult Start at West Ham

Guilherme arrived at West Ham in the summer of 2024 as a marquee signing under Tim Steidten, who played a key role in securing his £25.5 million transfer from Palmeiras. The Hammers saw the teenager as a potential future star, capable of developing into a key player for the club. However, things haven’t gone as planned.

Since his arrival, Guilherme has struggled to break into the first team, making just six appearances in all competitions. All of these outings have been as a substitute, totaling a mere 50 minutes on the pitch. His lack of game time has raised concerns about his development, with many questioning whether he was ready for the demands of English football.

His situation has not improved under new manager Graham Potter, who took over from David Moyes in December. Despite Potter’s reputation for working well with young players, Guilherme has remained on the fringes of the squad. With no clear pathway to regular first-team minutes, West Ham are now looking at a loan move to help the Brazilian gain experience.

Porto, Sporting CP, and Other Suitors

Portuguese giants Porto have emerged as the most serious contenders for Guilherme’s signature, with the club making an initial approach to West Ham. Porto are known for developing young South American talent, having helped players like Éder Militão, Luis Díaz, and Otávio make the step up to Europe’s elite. The club sees Guilherme as a player who could thrive in Portugal’s top flight, which has historically been a strong breeding ground for Brazilian players.

Sporting CP are also monitoring the situation closely. Like Porto, they have a strong track record of nurturing young talent, and their manager, Rúben Amorim, is known for giving young players opportunities. While Sporting’s interest has yet to progress into formal talks, they could emerge as serious contenders in the final hours of the window.

Feyenoord, one of the top clubs in the Netherlands, has also been linked with a move. The Dutch Eredivisie has become an attractive destination for young South American players looking to adapt to European football. With their attacking style of play and strong development structure, Feyenoord could be an ideal stepping stone for Guilherme. However, it remains to be seen if they will make a concrete offer.

Shakhtar Donetsk, a club with a long history of signing and developing Brazilian players, is another potential option. While Ukraine’s ongoing situation may make a move there less appealing, the club’s track record with South American talent means they cannot be ruled out completely.

Transfer Deadline and Timing Issues

One key factor that could influence where Guilherme ends up is the difference in transfer window deadlines. The Premier League’s transfer window shuts at 11 PM GMT on Monday, February 3, meaning that if West Ham want to bring in a replacement, they must act quickly. However, the Portuguese transfer window remains open until Tuesday, February 4, giving Porto and Sporting CP additional time to finalize a deal.

This means that if West Ham do not receive a suitable offer before the English deadline, they could still agree to send Guilherme to Portugal on deadline day in England, with the deal being completed the following day. This extra time gives Porto and Sporting a slight advantage in negotiations.

The Dutch transfer window also remains open until Tuesday night, meaning Feyenoord could still make a late push. However, clubs in Ukraine, including Shakhtar Donetsk, are bound by the same deadline as England, meaning they would need to act quickly.

West Ham’s Stance and Potential Loan Conditions

West Ham’s willingness to loan out Guilherme suggests they do not see him as an immediate first-team option, but they still have long-term hopes for his development. The club will likely want assurances regarding his playing time at any potential loan destination.

It is unclear whether West Ham will demand a loan fee, but given the size of the initial investment in Guilherme, they may look to recoup some money while he gains experience elsewhere. A loan deal could also include an option or obligation to buy, depending on how much faith West Ham have in his long-term future at the club.

What This Means for Graham Potter and West Ham

Guilherme’s lack of game time this season suggests that Graham Potter may not see him as a crucial part of his squad, at least in the short term. Potter is still evaluating his options and shaping his squad after taking over as manager, and with West Ham pushing for a strong finish in the Premier League, he may prefer more experienced players in attacking roles.

If Guilherme does leave, it will be interesting to see if West Ham move for a replacement before the deadline. Given that he has barely featured, they may not feel the need to sign another winger immediately. However, injuries or squad depth concerns could influence their decision in the coming hours.

Final Thoughts

With just hours remaining in the transfer window, Luis Guilherme’s future remains uncertain. Porto appears to be leading the race, but Sporting CP, Feyenoord, and Shakhtar Donetsk are all keeping an eye on the situation. The difference in transfer deadlines could work in Portugal and the Netherlands’ favor, allowing them more time to secure a deal.

For Guilherme, a loan move would likely be the best option at this stage of his career. Regular playing time in a competitive European league would help him regain confidence and continue his development. Whether he eventually returns to West Ham as a key player or moves on permanently remains to be seen, but for now, the priority is finding a club where he can play and showcase his potential.

With negotiations ongoing and time running out, West Ham and Guilherme will need to make a decision soon. The coming hours will be crucial in determining where the young Brazilian will spend the rest of the season.