'Here we go' - West Ham beat Brentford and Liverpool to £25m coup

West Ham are on the verge of announcing the signing of talented Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme after the 18-year-old completed his medical in London on Tuesday.

The Palmeiras youngster had landed in the UK on Monday ahead of making the move and is reported to be putting pen to paper on a five-year deal at the London Stadium on Wednesday. The move comes after on-the-ground work in Brazil by Hammers technical director Tim Steidten.

The Daily Mail had reported that Liverpool and Brentford also held interest in the player, who has played for the under-17 and under-20 sides of the Brazilian national set-up.

On Tuesday evening, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano wrote: "Luis Guilherme to West Ham, exclusive story confirmed and here we go! Medical completed today, contract to be signed on Wednesday.

"€23m fee plus €7m add-ons and 20% sell-on clause to Palmeiras, deal sealed by director Tim Steidten. Contract until June 2029 + option."

Confirmation of the agreement comes after West Ham failed to reach terms with Brazilian defender Fabricio Bruno this month. That £12 million deal fell through as the club looks to be proactive in the market ahead of Julen Lopetegui's first season in charge having taken over from David Moyes.

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The speedy winger cites Argentinian legend Lionel Messi as an inspiration and was named as one of the best players in the world for his age by The Guardian in October 2023. He has already been capped by the Brazilian under-20 side.

In that feature last year, the Guardian wrote: "Football is a simple sport for Luis Guilherme. A midfielder with refined technique, speed and excellent finishing, he is gaining more and more admirers every day.

"Guilherme has been at Palmeiras since 2017, when he was 11 years old, and is considered one of the next jewels in Brazil’s football crown, alongside Endrick. Some even believe he will have an even brighter future than his club teammate. Palmeiras already know that he will leave at some point, it is only a question of when and to which club."