‘West Ham face Lucas Paqueta pressure as stark transfer update emerges’
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is set for a decisive verdict which could either assist or hinder the club’s transfer plans.
Manager Graham Potter wants to rebuild the squad following his arrival at the club in January and there 14th placed Premier League finish last season.
Finances though are tight at the London Stadium making significant signings hard to come by with the £19million spent on El Hadji Diouf the only significant spend on a new player this summer.
West Ham are targeting multiple areas of the pitch which desperately need upgrading like up-front and in goal, and the decision on Paqueta on betting charges, which he denies, could boost their hand in the transfer market.
Decision looms on Paqueta trial
According to the Daily Mail, West Ham are keen to accept an offer for Paqueta this summer if he is cleared of wrongdoing on betting charges.
West Ham would accept a bid of £30million for Paqueta amid interest from Brazilian club Flamengo in his native Brazil.
The Hammers could have got significant more money for the 27-year-old had his move to Manchester City not collapsed in 2023.
| Apperances | 120 |
| Goals | 18 |
| Assists | 14 |
Paqueta has continued playing for West Ham despite the uncertainty around his future, but his form has dropped off since Man City showed their interest.
Potter needs Paqueta funds
An in-form Paqueta would add creativity and goals to West Ham, but Potter needs money invested in the squad and the Brazilian looks like a good option to bring in funds.
Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott may be financially out of reach, but West Ham also want his team mate Tyler Morton and the Hammers face interest from Lyon in the 22-year-old.
Potter cannot afford to not regenerate the squad this summer, as otherwise West Ham threaten to fall into a relegation fight.
Jarrod Bowen is over relied on for goals and the departure of Mohammed Kudus to Spurs will only add pressure onto the striker.
Alphonse Areola has had a poor start to pre-season and having let Lukasz Fabianski leave, Potter is lining up Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen.
There is lots to sort out for Potter and the Paqueta verdict could be a massive factor in whether he can adequately address the problems in his squad.