West Ham owners risk Graham Potter fallout as Lucas Paqueta decision looms
West Ham have a dilemma on their hands in the final hours of the transfer window, as Lucas Paqueta could leave.
There is very little time remaining in the transfer window, but Aston Villa are in advanced talks with West Ham over a deal for Paqueta.
The Brazilian has two years remaining on his contract at West Ham, but could now move within the Premier League with Villa very keen on him.
West Ham have endured a woeful start to the season with three defeats so far, and Graham Potter is under huge pressure to turn things around.
Aston Villa close to Lucas Paqueta deal
Aston Villa are seemingly close to agreeing a deal for Paqueta, with a total package of around £47 million mooted.
Paqueta is keen on the move, leaving West Ham in a tough position, as they may now be forced into selling him close to the deadline.
| Lucas Paqueta | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 0 |
However, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Potter does not want to lose Paqueta at all, and has requested that he is not sold.
West Ham owners David Sullivan and Karren Brady now have a dilemma on their hands, as they face a messy situation in which there may be no ideal outcome.
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West Ham owners could anger Graham Potter
Potter may wish to keep Paqueta, a development which could frustrate the Brazilian, but if he is sold against the manager’s wishes, it could cause a rift between Potter and the West Ham owners.
Selling a key player close to the deadline against the manager’s wishes could be a disastrous move, even if a sale is financially beneficial.
With two years remaining on his deal, West Ham may not get a similar fee in the future, and a sale now, while Paqueta is still struggling for his best form, may be the best course of action, but the wider implications of such a transfer need to be considered.
Potter will have publicly lost a player despite wanting to keep him, and this would sum up the difficult task he has in succeeding under the current ownership, and this could be a warning sign for any future managers who may be targeted.
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