Tim Steidten jetted away after Lucas Paqueta uncertainty at West Ham United
Tim Steidten travelled to Brazil this summer to reassure Lucas Paqueta of his importance at West Ham United, according to The Athletic.
The news outlet reports [16 November] that the Hammers’ technical director flew out to meet the midfielder before the Copa America after receiving an “unsatisfactory” offer from Flamengo.
Paqueta was charged by the FA earlier this year for alleged breaching of betting rules [Sky Sports, 23 May], and in the previous transfer window, the Brazilian outfit were interested in signing the 27-year-old [Globo, 17 July].
Tim Steidten did well to keep Lucas Paqueta at West Ham United
With the mental toll the situation might have taken on the 27-year-old midfielder, it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see him move back to Brazil to get away from the noise.
Considering Paqueta’s importance to West Ham over the years, supporters would have undoubtedly been disappointed had he left.
Steidten did well convincing the Brazilian to stay in East London because a move back home would have seemingly been appealing to the midfielder.
While the Hammers would’ve been delighted last summer, the 27-year-old’s performances this season have shown that he still has a long way to go before returning to his best.
In the current campaign, Paqueta has made 13 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals, but the Brazil international has struggled to replicate his form from previous years.
The Irons faithful definitely will sympathise with the 27-year-old, but if he continues to put in poor displays, a move away would be best for the midfielder.
Julen Lopetegui has continued to keep faith in Paqueta, and it remains to be seen how long that will last.
In other West Ham news, Steidten has a succession plan in place for the Brazilian midfielder at the club.
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