Is Lucas Paqueta irreplaceable? Or have West Ham United replaced him already? Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Chelsea, Nuno Espirito Santo indicated that it may be a bit of both.
Pablo Felipe is no Lucas Paqueta, of course.
But while one Brazilian lacks the other’s silky smooth, velvet-toed class, to paraphrase captain Jarrod Bowen, Pablo has brought physicality and aggression to West Ham United playing just behind the centre-forward.
Pablo is expected to keep his place at Stamford Bridge. But will he still be in Paquete’s shoes after transfer deadline day?
West Ham did all they could but Lucas Paqueta STILL wanted out! 😡
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Nuno Espirito Santo certainly doesn’t seem to envisage the Hammers signing a direct, like-for-like Paqueta replacement.
Pablo, a different breed of ‘number ten’, may be the order of the day.
Nuno Espirito Santo opens up on Lucas Paqueta’s West Ham United exit
Nuno was speaking at his official press conference on Thursday lunchtime, less than 24 hours after West Ham confirmed that Paqueta had been given permission to rejoin Flamengo for a fee in the region of £35 million.
The head coach insists that the transfer is not fully complete at this stage. But, barring any late hitch, Paqueta will be a Flamengo player before the game kicks off at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
“It’s not official yet. We, as a club, allowed him to travel to do his medical. We found a solution and came to a good conclusion,” Nuno said. “Lucas was clear that he wanted to return home. We expect a medical and things to become official. Let’s see.”
Nuno clearly agrees with a view held by many West Ham fans. He needed to return home for his personal wellbeing – Vinicius Jr’s response to Paqueta’s Instagram farewell said it all – but the timing of his departure certainly could have been better.
Paqueta leaves West Ham in the relegation zone, five points adrift of Nottingham Forest.
“For me, Lucas is a special player and a special person. I think, in terms of the club, it was not the proper way. I think everything could be different, but the circumstances are what they are,” Nuno adds.
“He wanted to go and we keep moving. He’s a special person, a special player, and we wish him all the best.”
“Two years ago, we knew what happened with Lucas [the FA charge and that failed move to Manchester City]. Many, many things happened to come to this end. It could be done two years ago and everything would be different.
“It is what it is and we move forward.”
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Nuno says West Ham cannot replace ‘special’ Brazil star
West Ham have been linked with Paris FC’s Ilan Kebbal, mentioned as a potential Paqueta successor by Alan Nixon.
Former Barcelona starlet Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez was mentioned, too. He moved to Paris Saint-Germain this week, however, while Ligue 1 rivals Marseille snapped up ex-Feyenoord skipper Quinten Timber for a bargain £4 million.
Nuno, though, insists that anyone hoping for a ‘Paqueta 2.0’ of sorts to walk through the door were always on a hiding to nothing.
“We cannot replace Lucas because he’s unique,” the manager explains. “He’s a number ten that has special qualities. You cannot find many players like Lucas in the transfer window. You cannot find them.
“We have to look at what we have. This is what we have been doing for the last three matches [with Pablo].”
Paqueta held talks with Flamengo last summer, and the summer before. Now, he finally gets his wish.
“I need this for my mental health, my wife, and my children. I need to find joy in football again, and regain my peace,” Paqueta said on Wednesday. “I realised that here I’d still need to fight battles that aren’t mine anymore.
“It was never about the club’s current situation. When I arrived, we faced similar challenges, but ultimately won a title that will forever be a part of history.
“I know some won’t remember me fondly, and I’m sorry – but that pass to [Jarrod] Bowen [in the UEFA Conference League final] came from someone who stayed true to his dream.
“I’m going home, but I’ll always support you. Thank you for everything, West Ham.”
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