Journalist predicts ‘phenomenal’ West Ham star Lucas Paqueta to join Europa League club in summer
West Ham attacker Lucas Paqueta has been predicted to join a Europa League club this summer by CBS journalist Jonathan Johnson.
The Brazilian only joined the Hammers last summer, signing a five-year contract after moving from Ligue 1 side Lyon.
And despite scoring just twice in his 28 West Ham matches, the latest reports suggest that Paqueta could transfer to a club playing in Europe’s second-best club competition.
“Before he moved to West Ham, we heard of interest from big clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City, and there’s a reason Paqueta has had admirers like that before, because technically he’s got phenomenal ability, he’s a very fine player on his day, but consistency has always been a big question mark for him,” Johnson wrote for CaughtOffside.
“In the Premier League you always have to be at your best game in, game out, but Paqueta, throughout his career, has never been that kind of player. Throughout his career in Europe he’s had some sublime moments and eye-catching performances, but also games where he barely even registers, so I’m less surprised by his struggles at West Ham.
“What could the future hold for them this summer? I think it would be difficult for West Ham to keep hold of them if they were to go down – there’ll be a number of clubs, if not quite at the top tier, but perhaps at a sort of Europa League level, who will be looking at those kinds of opportunities.”
Disappointing spell
Paqueta is undoubtedly a talented player, previously showing his abilities for Lyon, where he netted 21 goals and registered 13 assists in 80 appearances. He is also now a regular with his country Brazil, where he has scored eight goals in 40 matches.
But the consistency accusation can also be used concerning his spell at AC Milan, where he netted just once in 44 matches.
While statistics don’t mean everything, the numbers are quite simply not good enough for a player operating in an attacking midfield role. The fact the Brazilian has more yellow cards (six) than goals and assists (five) for West Ham is particularly alarming.
It may also be a case of quality opposition, with the attacker seemingly failing in major leagues like Serie A and the Premier League, but doing well in a less major league in Ligue 1.
West Ham have been very poor as a whole going forward this season, which may be another reason why Paqueta is failing to impress.
He will most certainly be one of the first faces out of the door if the Hammers are relegated to the Championship, and it would not be a surprise to see a major European club take a gamble on the attacker.