West Ham cleverly move to put out Lucas Paqueta fire amid latest exit revelation
Lucas Paqueta’s future at West Ham is up in the air after a week of turbulent speculation.
News emerged on Tuesday that Paqueta reportedly wants to leave West Ham in January, despite the fact that he is desperately needed in E20.
The Brazilian midfielder has featured in every match this season, so with West Ham sitting 19th in the Premier League table, his exit could have a huge impact on the team.
With West Ham facing Newcastle on Sunday, the Hammers have done all that they can to quieten the noise around Paqueta ahead of the match.
Lucas Paqueta speaks out ahead of West Ham vs Newcastle
West Ham are predicted to be relegated this season, as supporters at the London Stadium continue to protest against David Sullivan.
Ahead of the Newcastle clash, Paqueta has now spoken about his influence on the team and what it has been like working with Nuno Espirito Santo.
He said: “I think it’s been very valuable for me [to have a Portuguese-speaking head coach]. I can convey my views and feelings to him, and it’s been good working with him. We know the start of the season has been difficult, but I’m confident things will improve.
“I know my role in that too, as one of the most experienced players alongside the likes of Jarrod [Bowen] and Tomas [Soucek]. I like to lead more through my actions, and I’ll continue doing my best to help the team start turning things around.”
The Hammers also announced that fans who want to hear more from Paqueta can buy a copy of Sunday’s match programme.
| Stat | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2022/23 | 41 | 5 | 7 |
| 2023/24 | 43 | 8 | 7 |
| 2024/25 | 36 | 5 | 0 |
| 2025/26 | 10 | 3 | 0 |
West Ham have been smart by making Paqueta the focus of this week’s matchday programme.
It’s no coincidence that he’s the chosen player to be given a platform to share his love for the fans in the same week that all the news about his future at West Ham has emerged.
This is clearly a move to ease the fears of supporters who are worried about the worst this season.
If Paqueta were to leave in January, this would hugely affect how fondly he would be remembered.
- Read more: David Sullivan could make £110m transfer kitty available at West Ham amid ‘imminent’ development
What Lucas Paqueta’s potential departure could mean for the West Ham squad
West Ham’s chances of survival would take a monumental blow, and they must adapt to life quickly without him.
Mateus Fernandes can easily step up in Paqueta’s absence, yet he hasn’t proven his Premier League quality for West Ham on a consistent level.
Undoubtedly, their chance creativity would suffer, and moments of brilliance would be even harder to come by with the players who remain in E20.
West Ham are in crisis this season, and Paqueta’s interview ahead of the Newcastle clash is a desperate attempt to avoid fans thinking about the worst-case scenario.
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