West Ham being forced to accept Lucas Paqueta offer, they’re in ‘severe trouble’
Lucas Paqueta appears to be pushing for a move away from West Ham following their struggles this season.
West Ham are facing relegation to the Championship, raising questions around several of their key players.
West Ham have turned down an offer for Paqueta from Flamengo, with the Brazilian side’s bid believed to be worth in excess of £30million.
The Hammers signed the Brazil international in a deal worth more than £50m from Lyon in the summer of 2022.
However, Paqueta has faced a difficult past couple of years following his spot-fixing charges, which he was cleared of last summer.
West Ham face ‘very hard’ Lucas Paqueta decision after £80m blow
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider West Ham could be forced to accept an offer for Paqueta because they don’t have much option at this point.
Paqueta almost joined Man City for around £80m in the summer of 2023, but the move fell through due to his spot-fixing charges.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “Well, what they’re going to do? I think as it gets to the end of the window, they’ll take whatever they can get because what’s the option?
“It’s very hard for them because they look at it and they go, ‘We almost had £80m from City. We don’t really want to sell him right now’.
“It’s not a great time to sell a player for West Ham. I mean, they’re in severe trouble.”
Paqueta has registered five goals and one assist in 19 appearances for West Ham this season, but that has done little to help the club in their fight against relegation.
Why West Ham will ‘overpay’ to sign Paqueta replacement
Borson insisted it will be “very hard” for West Ham to replace Paqueta if they decide to sanction a move for the 28-year-old before the window closes on 2 February.
“He’s one of their better players,” said Borson.
“It’s very hard to replace players in January. They’re going to end up overpaying for replacements.
“But what are they going to do? He more or less doesn’t want to play for them.”
Paqueta came through the ranks at Flamengo, where he made 95 appearances before joining AC Milan in 2019.
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