Who is Luis Guilherme? 'Next Ronaldinho' joins West Ham after Liverpool transfer links

Liverpool is set for a busy summer as incoming boss Arne Slot gets down to work at Anfield. But the Reds have missed out on a reported transfer target.

Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool but has now completed a move to Premier League rivals West Ham. He has signed a five-year deal with the Hammers.

He is believed to have cost Julen Lopetegui's side around $32m (£25m/€30m) and told West Ham's official website: "The club presented the project, and both my family and I liked it. So, I'm very happy to be signing with this Club and hope to contribute as much as possible. If things go well, we have a beautiful journey ahead.

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“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.

“Growing up, whenever I had the chance, I watched English football. Seeing how it is and now being able to play here is an incredible feeling.. Here is all you need to know about the Brazilian ace.

Background

Guilherme only made his professional debut a year ago for Palmeiras but has already developed an impressive reputation. He featured regularly last season in an advanced midfield role, turning heads with his speed and passing ability.

The teenager, who joined Palmeiras at the age of 11, scored a last-gasp winner for his side in their Copa Libertadores victory over Independiente del Valle, having appeared as a substitute. Guilherme has already been promoted to the Brazil Under-20 side.

Guilherme is the latest talent off the Palmeiras production line, with teammate Endrick set to join Real Madrid this summer. Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus also came through the ranks with the Brazilian club before joining Manchester City.

Transfer interest

It was reported by the Daily Mail earlier this month that Liverpool was among a number of clubs watching the teenager. Palmeiras was said to be looking for more than $50m (£40m/€47m) for the player.

Those claims were backed up by Spanish publication Nacional, who stated that Slot is also a big fan of the teenager. But Liverpool knew it wouldn't get it all its own way. Bayern Munich and Chelsea had been credited with an interest previously.

But West Ham pulled clear in the race and managed to get a deal over the line for the Brazilian youngster for a cheaper fee.

Ronaldinho comparison

Guilherme has already been branded the 'new Ronaldinho' in Brazil amid similarities with the former Barcelona and AC Milan icon. Ronaldinho was just 21 when he left Grêmio for Europe and Paris Saint-Germain.

Speaking to Globo in 2021, he admitted he has another idol, revealing: "Lionel Messi is the player I like to watch the most and I always follow him. For me, he is the best in the world. He is my great inspiration."

Guilherme is continuing to make waves in Brazil and looks set to be the next South American talent to make the move to Europe.