Jota Silva’s potential move to West Ham now looks “unlikely” after the deal to sign Luis Guilherme, according to Roshane Thomas.
The Athletic journalist reported via the outlet’s website on 12 July that Brazilian winger’s arrival appears to have superseded signing his Portuguese counterpart as the Irons now look for answers at the striker position.
Thomas had previously reported on 4 June that the Vitoria de Guimaraes attacker was keen on a move to the London Stadium while Fanatik (27 June) in Turkey indicated the Hammers had already agreed personal terms with the 24-year-old amid interest from Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce.
Tim Steidten managed to get Guilherme’s deal over the line after personally travelling to Brazil amid attempts at a highjack [West Ham Football, 5 June].
West Ham signed Luis Guilherme was Palmeiras
Signing the former Palmeiras youngster certainly reduces the pressing need for wide options but doesn’t look like putting an end to it entirely.
So if a deal is available for Silva then it could be risky to let it go begging and potentially see him sign for another club.
It may be that absent sales of exit-linked first-team players such as Nayef Aguerd or Danny Ings the transfer budget won’t stretch and a striker is the current priority after a £40m deal for Wolves defender Max Kilman.
But after Said Benrahma’s permanent move to Lyon and Pablo Fornals being sold to Real Betis in January the Irons are only an injury or two away from being short in attacking areas.
Maxwel Cornet was an afterthought under David Moyes but could be utilised by Julen Lopetegui although the club are said to be willing to sell the former Burnley man this summer [The Athletic, 4 June].
A striker is certainly a key requirement during the transfer window but moving on from a second wide option seemingly stresses the need to sell unwanted players sooner rather than later.
