Liverpool ‘forced into transfer action’ after what West Ham ace did at Anfield
West Ham United gave a decent account of themselves at Liverpool on Sunday, and can perhaps feel hard done by to emerge empty-handed from Anfield.
Graham Potter will be frustrated as it certainly doesn’t reflect on a Premier League table which now sees the Hammers drop to 17th – a far cry from where they envisaged throughout an expensive summer.
Potter’s men are now without a win in five but a nagging feeling of optimism does remain among some that the performances have improved from the Julen Lopetegui chapter, even if results largely haven’t.
West Ham star may have reminded Liverpool to make move
West Ham have been irritably inconsistent this season despite showing – far too sporadically – their obvious full capabilities.
This is a Hammers side who have beaten Arsenal, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace away from home without conceding this term, and have also scooped a win against Manchester United while coming away unlucky from Chelsea and now champions-elect Liverpool as well.
One moment which could have played on the mind of Reds boss Arne Slot on Sunday (13 April) was an exquisite pass from Lucas Paqueta, which played through Jarrod Bowen only to be denied by the on-rushing Alisson – it would have been the Brazil star’s first assist of the campaign.
Paul Joyce of The Times (13 April) noted Paqueta’s piece of skill will have rung alarm bells for Slot, who will be seeking an injection of fresh creativity into his squad next season with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the verge of a free exit.
Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid upon expiry of his Liverpool contract this summer, and Paqueta’s creative acumen may well have inspired the Reds to readjust their transfer plans to ensure they have requisite options.
“To see Paqueta weaving his magic prompted the question of where Liverpool’s creativity will come from, especially if Trent Alexander-Arnold joins Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer,” Joyce said.
“The transfer market may have to provide the solution.”
Paqueta future uncertain at London Stadium
At present, Paqueta and West Ham are none the wiser as to which direction his professional career is heading towards.
The case against the Brazilian into alleged spot-fixing continues, with Paqueta accused of deliberately receiving bookings in four separate Premier League matches to influence betting markets between 2022 and 2023. The player vehemently proclaims his innocence on the matter and denies all allegations.
The events off the field have likely had an effect on Paqueta’s future, with interested clubs repelled from making a move until his career future is resolved.
| Lucas Paqueta – 2024-25 | Total |
| Matches | 31 |
| Minutes played | 2,233 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Yellow cards | 9 |
| Red cards | 0 |
Manchester City looked set to take Paqueta from the London Stadium for a gargantuan £85million back in 2023, and an £80million release clause on the playmaker has now passed.
Paqueta, 27, has two years remaining on his current West Ham deal, which will be discussed with Potter and the hierarchy in East London following conclusion of his trial.