Nuno Espirito Santo reacts to Lucas Paqueta exit news at West Ham United
Lucas Paqueta’s future at West Ham looks increasingly uncertain.
Since joining from Lyon in 2022, the 28-year-old has been a part of some unforgettable moments at West Ham.
However, Paqueta has gone missing on several occasions this season, and his poor discipline hasn’t helped his side in the slightest during certain key matches.
Paqueta was sent off in the 84th minute against Liverpool on 30 November for complaining to the referee after making a foul, talking his way into two yellow cards in quick succession.
The Brazil international hasn’t been up to scratch in recent weeks, and news has now broken out that he wants to leave E20 this month, although Nuno Espirito Santo certainly doesn’t want to lose his talisman.
Nuno Espirito Santo desperate for Lucas Paqueta to stay at West Ham
Paqueta was left out of the squad for West Ham’s FA Cup third-round win over QPR at the London Stadium.
TalkSPORT has now reported that the Brazilian midfielder wants to return to his homeland this month.
Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa hold historic interest in the 28-year-old; however, Paqueta prefers a move back to Brazil amid interest from Flamengo.
Nuno is keen for Paqueta to stay at the club beyond the January transfer window in order to help the team achieve Premier League safety.
The Hammers sit seven points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, and losing one of the star men at this moment in time will likely have disastrous consequences.
West Ham are embroiled in a relegation battle, and Nuno needs all the tools at his disposal to fight for the badge, and Paqueta certainly hasn’t given him that.
How will Lucas Paqueta be remembered by West Ham fans?
This is obviously a very tricky one because he has been so good in so many ways for the Hammers.
He played a vital part in the 2023 Europa Conference League win, making 11 appearances and registering five goal contributions in the tournament.
In the Premier League, he has 26 goal contributions in 110 matches, and he has played in a number of positions in the centre of the pitch during his time at West Ham.
| Stat | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2022/23 | 41 | 5 | 7 |
| 2023/24 | 43 | 8 | 7 |
| 2024/25 | 36 | 5 | 0 |
| 2025/26 | 19 | 5 | 1 |
However, supporters may be furious that he wants to leave at a time when they desperately need him to get back to his best.
To jump ship at such a critical time could ruin Paqueta’s legacy, and it will be interesting to see the reaction of supporters online if he does leave.
Nuno can’t afford to let him go as the Hammers would struggle to find a more talented replacement.
Paqueta’s exit could turn out to be one of the most contentious decisions of West Ham’s season, and it could have a huge effect on their Premier League status.
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