Sources: West Ham make Lucas Paqueta transfer plan amid fears he could quit
West Ham are panicking over Lucas Paqueta’s long-term commitment to the club as the January transfer window fast approaches.
West Ham fans were furious with Paqueta after recent reports indicated he wants out of east London.
The Brazilian has been part of a turbulent Hammers side that have already chopped and changed their manager with Nuno Espirito Santo now at the helm.
Paqueta had received interest from Man City over the summer and, ahead of the January window, he is strongly considering an exit from the London Stadium.
West Ham can only be tempted by ‘big money’ offer to let go of Paqueta as Nuno Espirito Santo reluctant to lose key man
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, despite the recent uncertainty over his future with the Irons, the club are eager to retain his services.
Yet, money could be the deciding factor in parting with the midfielder, with sources telling Football Insider over the summer that West Ham were prepared to sell Paqueta if the right offer came in.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over an update on his current situation with Aston Villa continuing to be interested in him, I explained: “It’ll be an interesting one.
“I don’t see how West Ham can really afford to let Paqueta go unless it’s a really big money offer.
“They’re going to need Paqueta if they’re going to get out of this trouble at the wrong end of the Premier League table. He still remains one of their few shining lights in the team.
“Paqueta himself came out and made a social media post after that initial talk that he wanted out of West Ham playing it down.
“Villa did show interest in Paqueta in the summer window, but the move fell down at the final part, as West Ham wouldn’t let him go.
“So again, it’ll be a difficult deal to do in January just due to the cost of any potential move.
“And West Ham will probably be reluctant to lose such a key player, especially if they want to try and get themselves out of trouble.”
Paqueta central to persuading Endrick to join on loan from Real Madrid
By retaining the Brazil international, he could be pivotal in tempting a compatriot to east London in January.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that West Ham have opened talks to bring in Endrick on loan in January.
The Real Madrid star has been left out of Xabi Alonso’s plans this season and is desperately on the hunt for regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
A risk-free, short-term move to the Hammers could be the ideal opportunity to catch Carlo Ancelotti’s attention and force his way into the Brazil squad.