Lucas Paqueta reveal showcases exactly why West Ham must part ways in January
Lucas Paqueta isn’t the player that West Ham need in their fight against relegation.
West Ham’s 2-2 draw at home to Brighton means that the Hammers are now winless in their last eight Premier League fixtures, and already four points adrift from safety.
Nuno Espirito Santo has shouldered a lot of the blame for that failure, and rightfully so, given the fact that it is his tactics that caused a regression that no one even knew was possible after the disaster that came under Graham Potter.
However, those wearing the shirt also have to take responsibility, and Paqueta is at the very top of that list.
Paqueta did something vs Brighton that he hadn’t done since 2024
Jarrod Bowen has been West Ham’s saviour time and time again, and if the Hammers are to avoid relegation, it will be him that they look towards.
However, given the level of quality posed by Paqueta, he should also be in the bracket, and yet he simply isnt.
The Brazilian, aside from the silly foul that led to Brighton being awarded a penalty, was excellent against the Seagulls, with a goal and an assist to his name.
However, that was Paqueta’s first assist in the Premier League since 2024, with 49 games played since he last achieved the feat.
He’s in the team to create and to make a difference, and when he isn’t doing that, he simply offers nothing.
It’s a remarkably poor stat, and one that demonstrates why West Ham may be better off cashing in on Paqueta in January.
West Ham have already reached agreement for Paqueta exit
Paqueta has expressed a desire to leave West Ham already this year, though a move abroad is likely the main option.
Back in November, it was reported that Paqueta reached a verbal agreement to exit the London Stadium, with Flamengo interested.
If a deal were to happen, it’s believed it would be for a fee in the region of £26.5million, which would be half of what West Ham paid to sign him from Lyon back in 2022.
Around £15m of that total fee is believed to be add-ons, with it not yet known how much of them have already been paid, nor what clauses would have to be triggered for them to become active.
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