Primeira Liga champions Sporting CP have now opened negotiations to sign an “electric” player from West Ham, according to a new report.
West Ham’s January transfer window strategy continues to evolve as manager Nuno Espírito Santo finalizes his priorities for the crucial mid-season period.
The Portuguese faces increasing pressure to strengthen his squad over the coming weeks, with the Hammers desperate for reinforcements in several positions to help them in their battle for survival.
‘It could happen’ – Player admits he could join West Ham as agent works on transfer
He made a confession in January.
Sky Sports have revealed that acquiring a new number nine is West Ham’s main objective ahead of the February deadline, after Niclas Füllkrug completed a loan move to AC Milan.
The Hammers find themselves dangerously short of quality in the final third, despite spending heavily on recruitment in recent transfer windows.
Their search for offensive improvements extends beyond just signing a new striker.
West Ham’s interest in Fulham’s Adama Traore represents the clearest indication of Nuno’s desire to bring in a new wide man. The Spaniard worked successfully under Nuno during their time together at Molineux, with Traore also entering the final six months of his contract at Craven Cottage.
He could be available for a reduced fee, and reports suggest Traore is set to join West Ham ahead of other suitors like former club Wolves.
If the 29-year-old arrives in east London, it could well open the door for Brazilian starlet Luis Guilherme to leave.
Sporting CP opens negotiations to sign Luis Guilherme from West Ham
Guilherme’s situation embodies the challenges facing West Ham’s recruitment strategy.
Former technical director Tim Steidten approved his £25million signing in the summer of 2024, but despite arriving with a stellar reputation as one of South America’s brightest prospects, he has failed to live up to the hype.
The teenager has also impressed at international youth level, contributing to Brazil’s first South American Under-20 Championship triumph in twelve years.
However, the transition to English football proved desperately difficult for the young winger.
Guilherme has managed just 121 minutes of Premier League action across the entire campaign, with Nuno taking him off at half-time after recently giving him a rare start against Bournemouth.
The striker has also failed to register a goal or assist in 18 appearances in total for the Hammers, with reports out of Portugal now claiming that Sporting CP have opened negotiations to sign Guilherme from West Ham.
Journalist Bruno Andrade told Maisfutebol.com that Rui Borges’ champions have identified him as a prime target heading into January, as they look to make up for Geovany Quenda’s losses to injury and the departure of Geny Catamo for the AFCON.
That being said, Sky Sports have claimed following a recent interview with Nuno that Guilherme does not want to leave West Ham despite the lack of opportunities.
The striker has apparently insisted he wants to stay and fight for his place at the London Stadium, and remains determined to prove his worth to Nuno.
This could complicate things for Sporting, with Guilherme not yet appearing to give up his career at West Ham.
ExWHU employee says ‘top-class’ player now wants to join West Ham in January
The Hammers are also interested.
