Paqueta exit talks: West Ham loan-to-buy deal with Club World Cup team on the cards
West Ham are preparing for their summer transfer window, with a complete revamp of the squad likely under Graham Potter.
The Hammers are currently hopelessly out of form, and there is a real concern that West Ham could be in a relegation battle next season.
Potter has not impressed at the London Stadium, with the team now winless in eight matches.
There is now an expectation that the summer transfer window will oversee multiple changes to the squad, with both sales and signings needed.
Now, the latest star to be linked away is Lucas Paqueta in a possible move back to his homeland.
Brazilian side Flamengo ‘make contact’ with West Ham to sign Lucas Paqueta
West Ham’s forced sell to buy policy this summer has meant that many of their stars are now linked away from the London club.
Liverpool have shown interest in Jarrod Bowen, while Mohamed Kudus’ future is also unclear.
However, the latest star to be linked away is Brazilian sensation Paqueta.
According to RTI Esporte (6 May), Flamengo wants to bring in the midfielder on loan with the option to buy.
The Brazilian outfit are preparing to play in the Club World Cup next month and want to bring in reinforcements before the tournament starts.
Paqueta is seen as an ideal signing, and the midfielder reportedly wants to return to his homeland.
As a result, negotiations have gained momentum in recent weeks with the Hammers seemingly willing to depart with the Brazilian international.
Paqueta’s sale is needed at West Ham
So far this campaign, Paqueta has been extremely underwhelming. While none of the squad have particularly performed well, the Brazilian is meant to be one of the star players at the London Stadium.
If West Ham do need to sell to buy this summer, Paqueta needs to be a star who is considered for departure.
| Lucas Paqueta Premier League stats this season | |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Yellow cards | 9 |
The Hammers simply cannot afford to keep hold of an asset worth millions of pounds who isn’t performing to the standards expected.
If the money can be reinvested wisely, it may help the London club rise up the Premier League table and avoid a potential relegation battle next season.