Soccer Football - Copa Libertadores - Group F - Palmeiras v Independiente del Valle - Allianz Parque, Sao Paulo, Brazil - May 15, 2024 Palmeiras' Luis Guilherme during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Carla Carniel/ File Photo
(Reuters) - West Ham United have signed highly-rated 18-year-old Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras on a five-year contract, the Premier League club said on Thursday.
They did not reveal financial details of the deal, but British media reported that Guilherme has been signed for around 25 million euros ($27 million) plus add-ons. He will complete his move on Friday, when the transfer window opens.
Guilherme becomes the first signing under Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui, who replaced David Moyes in May.
"I'm very happy to be signing with West Ham United, a club that trusted in my work," Guilherme said in a statement.
"They (Technical Director Tim Steidten) presented the project, and both my family and I liked it... (I) hope to contribute as much as possible. If things go well, we have a beautiful journey ahead.
"The Head Coach and I already had a conversation. He showed me his project and I believe I'll learn a lot from him. He's coached at the national level in Spain and managed big clubs."
Guilherme, who has represented Brazil at Under-17 and Under-20 level, helped Palmeiras win the Brazilian Serie A title.
($1 = 0.9260 euros)
(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
