Mateus Fernandes shares exactly what Lucas Paqueta has told him at West Ham
Lucas Paqueta’s imminent exit should make way for Matues Fernandes to flourish even further at West Ham United.
Fernandes was superb during West Ham’s 3-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday, his piledriver into the top corner from 30 yards capping off a superb performance.
Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen were also on the scoresheet for the Hammers, with Brian Brobbey’s second-half consolation taking none of the shine away from a crucial result.
Paqueta was not involved against the Black Cats, with the official line stating that he is suffering from a back injury.
Lucas Paqueta gives Mateus Fernandes advice
Paqueta is expected to leave West Ham before the end of the winter transfer window and rejoin his former side, Flamengo.
The Hammers have received a £35.8million bid for the Brazilian midfielder, with a verbal agreement already in place.
Paqueta has given one final piece of advice to current teammate Fernandes before his departure, though.
Speaking to The Athletic, Fernandes revealed that Paqueta has been telling him to shoot more.
He said: “I tried many times in training sessions to shoot. Even Lucas (Paqueta) has told me to shoot more. I tried, and I scored, so it’s good for me.”
West Ham make final Lucas Paqueta concession
West Ham were originally asking for Flamengo to loan Paqueta back to them until the end of the season, before completing his return to Brazil in the summer.
This was so that the midfielder could help the Hammers in their Premier League relegation fight.
However, West Ham have now decided to let Paqueta leave immediately, rather than adding any loan agreement to the deal.
Without the 28-year-old, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have won three games on the bounce, including a London derby win over Tottenham.
The gap to Premier League safety is closing quickly, and the Hammers have proved that they can compete in the top flight without Paqueta.
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