Hammers being firm – West Ham now in serious talks for permanent exit

West Ham have now made their position clear as Sporting step up efforts to sign Luis Guilherme on a permanent deal in January.

According to Mais Futebol, through journalist Bruno Andrade, the Portuguese club are no longer discussing a loan structure and are instead working on an outright purchase.

That shift follows West Ham’s firm stance in negotiations. The Premier League club want a sale due to Financial Fair Play pressures and the need to balance accounts in the short term.

As a result, talks between the two sides have accelerated behind the scenes, with both fixed and variable fees still under discussion.

Only days ago, the same journalist pointed to a loan deal with a purchase clause between €15m-€20m. The situation has now changed. West Ham want a clean sale, and Sporting are responding accordingly.

Sporting initially tried to secure Luis Guilherme on loan with an obligation to buy. That proposal failed. West Ham made it clear that only a permanent transfer would work. Since then, Sporting have adjusted their strategy and returned to the table with a different approach.

Sporting see the winger as a priority attacking reinforcement for January. The club value his versatility and long-term potential. FC Porto also showed interest in the previous window, which underlines the market around the player.

The next steps will depend on whether the clubs can align on final numbers in the coming days.