Lucas Paqueta to quit West Ham United in summer – ‘he’s going to go’
Frank McAvennie has urged Lucas Paqueta to stay at West Ham United and give incoming boss Julen Lopetegui “a try” next season.
Paqueta was strongly linked with a move to Manchester City last summer before betting allegations against the Brazilian saw Pep Guardiola’s side cool their interest – though a move could still be on the cards this year.
And McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – hopes both Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus will stay at the club for at least another year.
“[The hole he would leave would be] massive. Massive,” McAvennie said. “Paqueta’s going – he’s going to go. I don’t know who’s going to take over.
“Listen, if Paqueta wants to go, fine – I like him, he’s a wonderful talent – and Kudus as well. I would like to see them stay another year and give the new manager a try. Just give him a try – it might be right up their street.”
How big a blow would losing Lucas Paqueta be for West Ham United?
Paqueta’s creative and technical talents would certainly be a big miss for West Ham if the Brazilian were to move on. Manchester City’s interest in the attacking midfielder is not for nothing, after all.
The 27-year-old’s ability to pick teammates out in dangerous positions is widely appreciated – he has averaged 1.06 through-balls and 5.07 passes into the final third per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, racking up six assists as a result of his penetrative passing [FBref].
However, Paqueta stands out arguably most as a result of what he does out of possession. Per 90 in the Premier League this term, he has recorded a whopping 6.81 ball recoveries and 1.7 tackles won – outstanding defensive numbers for an attacking midfielder.
If the Irons can hold onto him, they will be much better for it.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers’ clash with Manchester City has been predicted as a supercomputer makes a Premier League title forecast.
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