West Ham United head coach Graham Potter says he does not expect to lose any of his players during the January transfer window.
Potter was confirmed as Julen Lopetegui’s replacement last Thursday and sealed his first league win against Fulham. West Ham are in the market for a forward and midfielder but additions to the squad will not be contingent on departures.
Luis Guilherme, 18, has been linked with a move to a Saudi Pro League club. The attacker, who joined for £25million from Palmeiras last summer, has played 43 minutes this season. Midfielder Edson Alvarez has been linked with a switch to French side Monaco but remains an important member of the squad.
“He (Guilherme) is in the squad,” Potter said in Thursday’s press conference. “He’s training every day and he’s another one that we’re trying to understand more and find out about and to help. I have no plans to lose anybody, but again, because it’s the window and because things can happen, and it’s because it’s football, you never know with any of the players, is the reality.
“But my focus is on helping, supporting and understanding them and trying to work out how we can get them to be themselves and play for West Ham. I think with every young player, you’ve got to strike the balance between training and playing because it’s not rocket science. Players get better when they play football and play football in a competitive situation.”
Guilherme previously featured for Mark Robson’s under-21s in September. The winger scored in the 2-2 draw against Benfica B but has struggled to force his way into the starting XI.
“At the same time, he’s settling in from another country,” said Potter. “It’s a big move and he’s understanding the club, the language, the culture and everything else. So it’s finding a balance. It doesn’t necessarily happen overnight.”
West Ham, 12th in the table after Tuesday’s win over Fulham, return to action at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
GO DEEPER
Potter must improve his record in derbies if he is to turn West Ham’s season round
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