‘Let’s go…’ – Lucas Paqueta drops huge hint on West Ham future after Aston Villa snub
Lucas Paqueta appears to have made a huge statement on his future at West Ham are turning down an exit this summer.
Paqueta turned down a move to Aston Villa, Mick Brown told Football Insider, after the board accepted the offer, before kissing the badge during his celebrations against Nottingham Forest.
Paqueta had been faced with charges from the FA over a recent betting scandal, one in which the 28-year-old had the charges against him dropped, but it clearly affected him on the pitch.
The Brazilian notched just five goal contributions in 36 appearances as the Hammers struggled under Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter, and now, he already has three goals in four games this term.
Despite turning down a move elsewhere this summer, it appears that an exit is highly likely in 12 months.
Lucas Paqueta is ready for ‘one more season’
Taking to Instagram (11 September), Paqueta wrote: “It’s about choosing those who welcomed you, who never judged you, who believed in you until the very last moment, who loved you and made you feel at home.
“It’s about staying loyal, not only when you had everything, but also when there was nothing… It’s not time to say goodbye yet! Let’s go together for one more season!”
The end of his comments would suggest that this is his final season in West Ham colours, having stayed loyal to the Hammers this summer. It’s a huge statement from the Brazilian.
Who was linked with Lucas Paqueta this summer?
It appears that Unai Emery‘s Villa side were extremely interested in the Brazilian playmaker, right up until the summer transfer window slammed shut.
Tottenham were also keen on him joining Mohammed Kudus in North London, having previously splashed the cash on his teammate earlier in the window.
However, the strongest links came back from Brazil. Supporters were readying themselves for him to return to South America, but a deal never came to fruition.
Whatever happens next summer, it seems like the Hammers have got one more season with the player, and if early signs say anything, Potter might have the old Paqueta back this term.
In his first two seasons at the London Stadium, he notched 13 goals and 14 assists, but he was not anywhere near the same creative force during the 2024-25 campaign.