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England midfielder Jude Bellingham Euro 2024 stint could be over after UEFA initiated an investigation over a gesture he made after scoring a late equaliser against Slovakia.
The Real Madrid star and former Birmingham City youngster appeared to gesture toward the Slovakian bench after his overhead kick brought England level in the dying seconds of injury time in Gelsenkirchen.
UEFA released a statement on Monday which said: “A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.
“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
Bellingham posted on X about the gesture in the hours after the match, saying: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool but has now completed a move to Premier League rivals West Ham. He has signed a five-year deal with the Hammers.
He is believed to have cost Julen Lopetegui’s side around $32m (£25m/€30m) and told West Ham’s official website: “The club presented the project, and both my family and I liked it. So, I’m very happy to be signing with this Club and hope to contribute as much as possible. If things go well, we have a beautiful journey ahead.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world. I believe I’ll improve a lot here with the entire staff at West Ham, which is crucial for my development.
Luis Guilherme
“Growing up, whenever I had the chance, I watched English football. Seeing how it is and now being able to play here is an incredible feeling.. Here is all you need to know about the Brazilian ace.
Background
Guilherme only made his professional debut a year ago for Palmeiras but has already developed an impressive reputation. He featured regularly last season in an advanced midfield role, turning heads with his speed and passing ability.
The teenager, who joined Palmeiras at the age of 11, scored a last-gasp winner for his side in their Copa Libertadores victory over Independiente del Valle, having appeared as a substitute. Guilherme has already been promoted to the Brazil Under-20 side.
Guilherme is the latest talent off the Palmeiras production line, with teammate Endrick set to join Real Madrid this summer. Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus also came through the ranks with the Brazilian club before joining Manchester City.
Transfer interest
It was reported by the Daily Mail earlier this month that Liverpool was among a number of clubs watching the teenager. Palmeiras was said to be looking for more than $50m (£40m/€47m) for the player.
Those claims were backed up by Spanish publication Nacional, who stated that Slot is also a big fan of the teenager. But Liverpool knew it wouldn’t get it all its own way. Bayern Munich and Chelsea had been credited with an interest previously.
But West Ham pulled clear in the race and managed to get a deal over the line for the Brazilian youngster for a cheaper fee.
Ronaldinho comparison
Guilherme has already been branded the ‘new Ronaldinho’ in Brazil amid similarities with the former Barcelona and AC Milan icon. Ronaldinho was just 21 when he left Grêmio for Europe and Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking to Globo in 2021, he admitted he has another idol, revealing: “Lionel Messi is the player I like to watch the most and I always follow him. For me, he is the best in the world. He is my great inspiration.”
Guilherme is continuing to make waves in Brazil and looks set to be the next South American talent to make the move to Europe.
