The source ESPN Brazil reveals that Palmeiras have effectively frozen negotiations for West Ham United midfielder Guido Rodríguez. They are now turning their attention toward a promising academy prospect instead.
While the Brazilian club previously saw the experienced Argentine as a serious option, they want to prioritise evaluating 17-year-old Luís Pacheco before signing any outside players. Head coach Abel Ferreira sees massive quality in the teenager.
Palmeiras Freeze West Ham veteran Rodríguez Chase to Test Teenage Prodigy
Ferreira even insists that Pacheco is showing more raw potential than Danilo did before his big move to Nottingham Forest. Palmeiras plan to give the youngster plenty of chances with the senior squad over the coming months. These matches will help the club decide if he can take over their midfield for the long term.
If Pacheco fails to meet these high expectations, the club will jump back into the race for Rodríguez. Right now, the West Ham midfielder remains at the very top of their list for reinforcements. The 31-year-old is looking at an uncertain future in London since his current deal runs out this summer. That situation means he is free to talk to other teams right now.
His agents are still pushing for a move. At the same time, the West Ham board might be happy to get his reported £75k-a-week wages off the books. Juventus and Ajax have also emerged as potential destinations. However, Palmeiras are in a good spot to wait. They want to see if their internal solution works out before they commit to a deal for the Hammers’ outcast.
Analysis: Why West Ham Should Cut Their Losses Now?
West Ham should look at this delay from Palmeiras as a small bump in the road rather than a deal-breaker. They need to keep working to trim the squad. Right now, the Hammers are stuck with an expensive player who barely plays. Keeping him is a waste of money that the board usually won’t put up with.
Nuno has hardly used the World Cup winner, which makes it clear the manager doesn’t see a future for him at the London Stadium. Letting him leave now is the only logical move. Even if Palmeiras take their time, other clubs like Juventus could offer a way out.
There is basically no point in keeping Rodríguez until the end of the season since he’ll just walk away for free anyway. Moving him on would immediately clear up the wage bill. It would also make room for a younger, more athletic midfielder who can better handle the physical side of the Premier League.
The recruitment team probably wishes they hadn’t signed him, given how fast his value has dropped. Still, they can fix the mistake by making a transfer happen this month. A clean break is best for everyone: West Ham save money, the player gets a chance to revive his career, and the manager removes a surplus figure from his dressing room.
