West Ham plans for Lucas Paqueta sale outlined as possible replacement shared already
Lucas Paqueta’s future at West Ham looks to be over.
West Ham rejected Flamengo’s £30.3million bid for Paqueta on Monday, but even despite that, his heart is set on a move back to his homeland.
The Brazil international was left out of Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad for West Ham’s 2-1 win over QPR in the FA Cup on Sunday as speculation around his future rumbles on.
It had also been reported that Paqueta has agreed on personal terms with Flamengo, but West Ham are not ready to bow out easily.
If they were to accept an improved bid, then the Hammers could also look to the Brazilian market to secure a replacement.
West Ham could go back in for Kaio Jorge
Kaio Jorge is a 23-year-old striker who has flourished for Serie A side Cruzeiro out in Brazil.
According to Brazilian media outlet Trocedores, West Ham may use the money from any Paqueta sale to buy the Cruzeiro man.
Cruzeiro have just extended the attacker’s contract until 2030, and they’ve given him a substantial pay rise, but the Hammers could still go back in with the lure of Premier League football.
- Jorge joined Cruzeiro in 2024
- The attacker is now a Brazilian international, earning his first cap in September 2025
- West Ham, Aston Villa, and Flamengo are among the clubs interested
In December, they proposed signing Jorge on an initial loan deal, but Cruzeiro were reportedly offended by the approach of one of their star men.
The Hammers offered to pay £3.5m to keep Jorge until the end of the season on loan, with an £18.2m fee to buy him permanently.
Should Paqueta be sold, then, despite the difficulty in negotiations, Jorge could give West Ham much-needed depth in their attack.
Crycensio Summerville flourished in Sunday’s win over QPR, but Jorge is equipped to take his spot on the left wing, or even play centrally.
Kaio Jorge could be an effective replacement for Crysencio Summerville
The Hammers have already signed Pablo and Taty Castellanos, and there clearly is no need for another striker.
However, Jorge has the skillset to play on the left wing, as it would allow him to cut inside on his right foot and cause carnage.
Summerville made the move from Leeds to West Ham for a fee of £25m plus add-ons in August 2024, but it hasn’t fully clicked yet.
| Stat | Jorge |
| Appearances | 46 |
| Goals | 26 |
| Assists | 9 |
The Dutch winger has only registered six goal contributions in 39 appearances for the Hammers, and must go down as one of the most underwhelming signings in the club’s recent history.
Since Nuno was appointed, Summerville has featured regularly on the left wing and showed glimpses of promise in certain matches.
However, Jorge has shown he has what it takes to be lethal in front of goal, and he would be a huge improvement out wide.
It’s up to West Ham to convince Cruzeiro to let their main man go as they aim to avoid Premier League relegation.
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