Liverpool risk being gazumped by West Ham United in the race to sign Palmeiras wonderkid Luis Guilherme, although it may turn out to be fantastic news for the Reds in the long-term.
The 18-year-old is the latest sensation on the books of the Brazilian outfit and could be very well be following in the footsteps of Endrick – who has already agreed to join Real Madrid – by making the move to Europe amid reports he is being chased by no fewer than nine top sides on the continent.
In addition, Liverpool are one of six Premier League teams that have been credited with scouting the teenager over the past year with fresh reports claiming they were at the front of the queue for Luis Guilherme, who has been likened to Brazil World Cup winner Rivaldo.
Having signed a new contract with Palmeiras back in November, Luis Guilherme is tied down to the club until 2026 but his deal reportedly includes a €55m (£47m) release clause.
However, it has been recently reported that a bid of around €35m (£30m) plus bonuses could be enough to get a deal done.
And it would appear that a Premier League club have taken their first steps in an attempt to lure the forward to England with The Guardian claiming West Ham are in talks with Palmeiras over a £25m deal.
LUIS GUILHERME TO BE KUDUS’ REPLACEMENT?
Luis Guilherme is described as a player who operates mainly on the right but can also play on the left or as an attacking central midfielder. This is rather interesting from a Liverpool perspective as these are Mohammed Kudus’ roles at West Ham.
The Ghana international is being linked with a move to Anfield as he is regarded as the long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. It’s understood the 23-year-old has a release clause of £85m that will become active next year, but reports claim Liverpool are set to make an attempt in the summer window, though any potential offer will be below this rate.
And due to the recent betting probe into Lucas Paqueta, West Ham look set to miss out on a significant payday from Manchester City and therefore could be willing to lower their price for Kudus.
If the Hammers have identified Luis Guilherme as a replacement for Kudus then it could be great news for Liverpool in their bid to recruit the Ghanian and it would also soften the blow of missing out on the talented Brazilian.
Having said that, the teenager does lack experience at the top level so it could be that West Ham’s plan – if they sign him of course – is to give him a year or two to settle into his new surroundings before giving him a prominent role in the first-team.
