West Ham United transfer news as Lucas Paqueta switches to TFM Agency amid summer exit links
West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has switched agents and will now be represented by TFM Agency which is half-owned by American rapper Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation, according to journalist Bruno Andrade.
The Hammers splashed a club record £51m on bringing him to east London last summer, and after some early teething issues, the Brazilian eventually emerged as one of the club’s key performers as they secured their first major trophy in 43 years winning the Europa Conference League.
However, the Brazilian’s immediate future at the club could well be uncertain, with the likes of Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain [90 Min, 27 June] rumoured to be interested in a move this summer and Andrade taking to his personal Twitter account (13 July) confirmed Paqueta has moved on from Eduardo Uram’s representation.
He tweeted: “Lucas Paquetá is no longer managed by businessman Eduardo Uram.”
“The West Ham Brazilian midfielder will from now on be represented by TFM Agency, which was recently bought (50% of the company) by Roc Nation, founded by rapper Jay-Z.”
Cause for concern?
With West Ham United set to lose Declan Rice this summer, with his move to Arsenal now awaiting official confirmation, it is absolutely unlikely that Moyes would be willing to see Paqueta walk out too.
The Hammers would arguably be losing two of their best players and that will be a damaging sight for West Ham United and their lofty ambitions both domestically and on the European front next season.
Whatever the reasons for Paqueta’s switch of agents is a whole other matter entirely but given the recent summer exit links, such occurrences are never a good sign for fans and leads them to think that the Brazilian is seeking a move away so soon after joining last summer.
The Brazilian maestro has been a sensational and influential outlet in recent months, after undergoing a tough start to life at the London Stadium. If the Hammers harbour ambitions to reach the top echelons of the Premier League again, then selling a player of Paqueta’s quality sends out the wrong message.
If West Ham want to attract top stars to the club, then they’d need to keep players in the ilk of the 26-year-old magician, it’s that simple.
There could well be a huge uproar in East London, should the Hammers even entertain any offers for their Brazilian superstar.
Barnes is simply too good an opportunity to turn down and at £35m, he represents an absolute bargain.
In other West Ham news, Sky Sports share positive West Ham talks to seal new defensive transfer