West Ham United has confirmed the arrival of Luis Guilherme, the offensive gem from Palmeiras, who is poised to become one of the best in his position. For many, this leap to the Premier League is a wise move for the young attacker’s development.
However, in recent years, many promising Brazilian footballers have moved to the Premier League, and while some cases have turned out very well, there are also instances of ostracism, lack of opportunities, and adaptation issues that deserve to be remembered.
Therefore, today at Sambafoot, we will talk about the latest major transfers of Brazilian talents who have jumped directly from the Brasileirão to the Premier League.
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From the Brasileirão to the Premier League: how have the Brazilian talents fared in English football?
Luis Guilherme has signed for West Ham United for a fee close to 23 million euros according to some specialized media. The 18-year-old will join the London squad this summer and will start his adventure in English elite football, hoping to have an equal or better future than many of his compatriots who have also made this leap in recent years.
Luis through a retro lens 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/nXM1S6GaVI
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 13, 2024
Andrey Santos (Chelsea)
The talented 20-year-old midfielder from Vasco da Gama, attracted interest from FC Barcelona and other European clubs at one point. However, in January 2023, his transfer to Chelsea was confirmed, and he joined the club in the summer of that year.
Just a year after his arrival, Andrey has yet to make his debut with the English club, having already gone on two loan spells, one more successful than the other, at Nottingham Forest and Racing Strasbourg.
Great derby win, happy for the goal!
thanks God 😭🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/T8XdD0rHKc— Andrey Santos (@04Andrey) May 12, 2024
Although it’s too early to consider this transfer a failure, the midfielder is unlikely to be part of the plans for Chelsea’s next coach, and another loan spell is on the horizon.
Deivid Washington (Chelsea)
Another promising footballer enticed by Chelsea’s significant project, is a striker formed at Santos and is now 19 years old.
David signed with the English club in the summer of 2023 for €16 million. Despite being included in the squad a couple of times and playing a few minutes in the Premier League and cup competitions, he has primarily seen action with Chelsea’s youth team.
Play for the badge in your Chest💙 pic.twitter.com/QRpgF4sk3U
— Deivid Washington (@DeiWashington) February 7, 2024
With no pure striker in their squad, Deivid Washington could still earn a spot in Chelsea’s regular rotation next season. However, after a year of ostracism and constant benching, a loan move has not been ruled out.
Matheus França (Crystal Palace)
In 2022, Matheus França finished second in the Samba Gold U-20 voting, just behind Endrick, showcasing the potential and esteem of what was at the time one of the major talents to watch in the Brasileirão.
Matheus França. In the squad. 🇧🇷#CPFC | #NEWCRY pic.twitter.com/8kiGIHUKGO
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) October 21, 2023
In 2023, Crystal Palace acquired Matheus França’s services, and his first season with the London team was far from perfect. In the 2023/24 season, França only managed to play 14 matches across all competitions, including minimal participation with Palace’s U-21 team.
Whether due to a lack of adaptation or confidence from the coaching staff, França did not earn the trust of his previous managers. Next season, with Oliver Glasner at the helm, he might have an opportunity to shine again.
Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
Among many inconsistent cases, there are always exceptions who manage to exceed expectations and become stars for their teams immediately upon arrival. Among those players who arrived and made an immediate impact is Murillo Santiago Costa dos Santos, better known simply as Murillo.
This 21-year-old central defender arrived at Forest from Corinthians in the summer of 2023 for a fee close to 12 million euros. Since his arrival, Murillo has solidified himself in the central defense of the legendary English team, finishing the season as Nottingham Forest’s Player of the Year.
Player of the Season 🤩 pic.twitter.com/f2kKl9a8sg
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 19, 2024
Murillo played in 32 out of 35 possible Premier League matches, and his high level of performance did not go unnoticed in the European elite, as several clubs have taken note of his performances ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
João Gomes (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
To conclude, another case of resounding success is that of João Gomes, the midfielder from Wolverhampton Wanderers who arrived from Flamengo in the winter window of 2023.
The English club paid approximately 18.7 million euros for his services, which today seem like an absolute bargain. This versatile midfielder firmly established himself in the core of the Wolves this year, playing in both defensive and creative positions, finishing the season with 34 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals, and providing one assist.
Thank you @Wolves
Thank you molineux 🔥🐺 pic.twitter.com/d0sMjRCvNB— João Gomes (@GomesOficial08) May 11, 2024
