Tim Steidten has Lucas Paqueta succession plan at West Ham United as transfer update drops
Tim Steidten may well already planning for life at West Ham United without Lucas Paqueta after identifying the perfect replacement.
The Brazilian has looked “disinterested” on the pitch for the Hammers this season, possibly attributed to the FA charges of alleged spot-fixing that have lingered over his head all year.
However, it appears the Hammers are willing to move on from the 27-year-old, with reports emerging that the club are preparing a move for Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra ahead of the January transfer window [TBR Football].
Paqueta has failed to deliver on his usual high standards in East London this year, and with question marks gnawing whether he will be able to take to the pitch next season, it may be in the club’s best interests to part ways with their prized asset – if any clubs are indeed still interested.
West Ham United look set to cut ties with Lucas Paqueta
It has already been confirmed that Paqueta will miss the clash against Leicester City on 3 December – he is due to appear in front of the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry [CPI] in Sao Paolo [The Standard] as part of the investigation into his alleged spot-fixing charges.
The Hammers are well aware the strong possibility remains that Paqueta will be hit with a lengthy FA ban if he is deemed guilty of his charges and could miss the entirety of the 2025/26 campaign.
Therefore, the winter transfer window is the only opportunity the club will have to cut ties with the midfielder, and the links to Guerra could suggest the possibility will soon become a reality.
Paqueta has become a serious cause for concern for the Hammers hierarchy and, based on his performances this year, it is not a concern worth having with the side in a bad way in the Premier League.
While the supporters, at the time, would have begrudged the club for selling Paqueta to Manchester City last summer, from a financial viewpoint, his actions have subsequently cost the club £85million which could have seen the club recruit smarter in the market.
Niclas Fullkrug has spent most of his time in East London on the treatment table, and Lopetegui’s failure to integrate his influx of talent into the side has cost the Spaniard dearly.
It may not be Guerra, but Steidten has clearly been tasked with finding a suitable replacement for the Brazilian – Paqueta’s time at West Ham United may well be nearing its end.
In other West Ham news, Ruud van Nistelrooy has been told to take the Hammers job after his Manchester United exit.
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