West Ham United face ‘huge’ Lucas Paqueta transfer blow after Manchester City news
West Ham are facing a battle to keep hold of Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta amid interest from Manchester City, and it would be a “huge blow” for the club to lose him, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The Guardian journalist shared on 9 August that it is going to be difficult for West Ham to keep hold of their star player if Manchester City push hard to get the deal done.
He also looked to confirm that reports in Brazil [Ge Globo, 8 August] surrounding a £70million offer from Manchester City for Paqueta, which was rejected by West Ham, are accurate.
A ‘huge blow’ is putting it lightly
West Ham are already facing somewhat of a squad overhaul this summer, having lost their main man Declan Rice to Arsenal, after they were involved in a relegation battle last time out.
The Hammers have struggled to get deals over the line, although more incoming players now look likely, and the last thing they need is to lose another star.
The Brazil star is a bright spark in a workman-like West Ham side, with the typical South American flair he brings to East London a source of entertainment for fans and neutrals alike, which would be greatly missed at the London Stadium.
Should he leave the club, his creative ability and “magic” control of the ball will be missed not only by fans but by the team. His tally of seven goal contributions last season made up 16.6% of West Ham’s 42 goals last season.
Paqueta is reportedly a long-term target of City boss Pep Guardiola, who was keen on signing the player as a replacement for Bernardo Silva who ended up staying in Manchester before the Brazilian moved to East London last summer.
In other West Ham news, the club are set to get another midfield transfer finalised as soon as possible.