Lucas Paqueta could quit West Ham in ‘shock’ swap deal as £30m move eyed
West Ham could utilise a swap deal with Lucas Paqueta to sign Igor Jesus from Botafogo for £30million, according to The Sun on Sunday.
The newspaper reported on 3 November (page 55) that the Hammers are keen to add some firepower to their front line which could see them move for the 23-year-old in January.
A deal worth £30m has been mooted for the versatile forward which could spark a “shock” move for Paqueta back to Brazil after a move to Manchester City collapsed.
West Ham could swap Lucas Paqueta for Igor Jesus
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium as issues surrounding a betting probe continue to hang around his head.
This could see the Irons look to move the attacking midfielder on while they can get some sort of fee or even a swap deal.
Jesus could prove to be an excellent addition to the squad and make up half a deal that would appear to make sense for all parties.
With that being said, his inexperience of European football could make the signing a risk, similar to Luis Guilherme’s move to East London.
The Botofogo star has scored five goals and assisted one this season after returning to his homeland in July after a spell in the UAE with Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC.
This tally isn’t out of this world but with some time to develop, potentially under Julen Lopetegui, he could become a useful asset in the Premier League.
It would still be a risk to trade a key player in Paqueta for a young and unproven talent from South America.
In other West Ham news, Jamie O’Hara has laid into Julen Lopetegui, calling him an “absolute joke” after what happened.
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