Matt Le Tissier stunned by West Ham accepting Lucas Paqueta offer ahead of January
West Ham must not sell Lucas Paqueta in the January window following rumours that he could be set to depart the club.
That is according to Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier, who has exclusively told Football Insider that the Hammers cannot afford to sell one of their best players as they fight relegation.
Lucas Paqueta has been one of West Ham‘s top performers ever since he joined the club from Lyon in 2022.
His best campaign up to now came in 2023-24 as he notched eight goals and seven assists in 43 appearances, and his impressive performances have seen him linked with a move away in numerous windows.
Paqueta’s future at West Ham was uncertain over the summer, despite him being cleared of spot-fixing charges by the FA, and he has continued to be linked away from the club as the January window looms.
Paqueta has been linked away from West Ham recently
West Ham have seriously struggled this season near the bottom the table, but Paqueta has shown some decent form after a below-par 2024-25 campaign.
The Brazil international has scored four times in 11 appearances up to now, with a fine strike last time out to help the Irons to a much-needed 3-1 win against Newcastle.
Reports have recently emerged that Paqueta is intent on leaving West Ham in January due to their poor form, but Football Insider have revealed that West Ham will block Paqueta’s exit because of his lofty status within their side.
Nuno Espirito Santo clearly needs to improve the Hammers’ form in the next two months ahead of the new year or their star midfielder could look to force his way out to condemn them to the drop.
Le Tissier says West Ham have to keep Paqueta in January at all costs
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former England and Southampton striker Le Tissier insisted that West Ham simply must keep hold of Paqueta in the new year if they want to stay in the Premier League.
He said: “I think it would be ridiculous of West Ham to sell him in January, especially if they’re still hovering around the relegation zone. You don’t sell your best players in January if you’re in a relegation fight.
“It’s not something that you do. I remember it happened to Southampton, actually, we sold James Beattie in the January that we got relegated. They did it to try and generate funds to kind of strengthen the team in other areas.
“But, you know, selling your top scorer or your best player is not going to help you stave off relegation. So I’d be really surprised if Paqueta went in January.”