West Ham set to approve sale of £25m star as Euro giants make ‘rapid progress’ for January transfer | OneFootball

West Ham United’s young Brazilian winger, Luis Guilherme, could be set for a January move to Portugal, with Sporting CP and Porto the most advanced clubs in the race for his signature, sources confirm.

The 19-year-old, who arrived at the London Stadium from Palmeiras in a £25million deal in 2024, has struggled for minutes under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Guilherme has played just 80 minutes of Premier League football under Nuno, with other players well ahead of him in the pecking order.

Sources indicate that West Ham are open to his departure, prioritising a permanent transfer to recoup funds amid financial pressures.

Initially, talks revolved around loan options with obligations to buy, but negotiations have shifted towards outright sales, potentially in the €18-20m (£15.7-£17.5m / $21.1-23.5m) range, including add-ons.

Sporting CP have emerged as frontrunners in recent days, with sources from Portugal suggesting rapid progress on a permanent deal.

The Primeira Liga champions view Guilherme as a priority to bolster their attack, especially with injuries and international commitments thinning their wide options. Rui Borges’ side see his versatility—capable of operating on both flanks or centrally – as a perfect fit.

Portuguese giants battling for West Ham star

Not far behind Sporting, Porto remain strongly interested in Guilherme, having monitored the player closely and previously made approaches.

The Dragons are keeping tabs on developments, ready to pounce if Sporting’s talks falter, with rivals aware of the need to strengthen for domestic and European challenges.

Importantly, Guilherme is keen on the move, receptive to returning to a more familiar footballing culture in Portugal where he believes he can rediscover his form and secure regular playing time.

The teenager, once hailed for his dribbling, pace, and potential comparisons to Neymar, has found the physicality of the Premier League challenging but remains highly rated by scouts.

A switch to one of Portugal’s giants could reignite his career, offering Champions League football and a platform to develop away from the intense scrutiny and struggles at West Ham.

With the January window imminent, expect swift developments as both Porto and Sporting push to land the talented attacker.