Saudi Arabia transfer news as West Ham star Lucas Paqueta wanted now
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has emerged as a top transfer target for numerous Saudi Pro League clubs this month, according to TEAMtalk.
The online news outlet reported [2 January] that several top clubs in Saudi Arabia are targeting a move for the Brazilian ace in the January transfer window, who continues to impress in a successful season for the Hammers.
It is understood that money is not a problem, with Manchester City the most recent top team to stake an interest in the West Ham ace, preparing a £95million bid last summer but the trail has gone cold since [BBC Sport].
An offer too good to turn down?
Having signed for a club-record £36.5million fee plus £14.4million in add-ons last summer, as per BBC Sport, West Ham could be set for a huge cash-in on the Brazilian, with Saudi clubs paying silly money for players all over Europe.
However, it is extremely unlikely that West Ham will be able to find a replacement with the same calibre as Paqueta, which could have dire effects on the rest of their season.
David Moyes and the club spent the money raised from Declan Rice’s departure very well, signing key players in James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus. And while the sale of their next star player would help bring in future playmakers, there will be little hope that they can perform as well as Paqueta.
The 26-year-old has been a mainstay in Moyes’ starting XI ever since his switch from Lyon in August 2022. In 67 appearances, he has scored 10 goals and assisted 12 others, grabbing a goal contribution from midfield every 230 minutes.
Though that may not sound like much in a statistic, his impact on the pitch is so much more than just goals. The defensive side of his game is incredible, getting stuck into the opposition at every opportunity. And he is a true leader in the squad, pushing the side forward as much as possible.
He has been one of the key differences in West Ham’s success and failures and is a huge miss, currently out injured for the Hammers. However, it could be difficult to turn down an eye-watering offer if Saudi clubs do come knocking at the London Stadium front door.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are interested in signing an “excellent” defender in January.