West Ham United fans continue to be split over Lucas Paqueta’s legacy at the club.
Paqueta, of course, was the headline departure at West Ham United during a busy 2026 January transfer window.
Though Luis Guilherme and Niclas Fullkrug also left the club, it was Paqueta’s record-breaking move to Flamengo that generated the most headlines.
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I'm not going to lie, I'm underwhelmed…
The manner with which the Brazilian left the club did leave a sour taste in the mouth. Paqueta had a back injury, although he was able to make a quick-fire debut for Flamengo shortly after his move.
There’s little doubt that his time at the club was complicated. With that in mind, Hammers News asked our subscribers on TalkingPoints a rather simple question.
West Ham fans debate Lucas Paqueta’s legacy at the club
Indeed, the website asked our readers and subscribers how they will remember Paqueta’s time at the club and the response was interesting.
A maverick talent at his best, the former Lyon star was the man who played the assist for Jarrod Bowen’s famous goal in 2023 Conference League final.
That remains one of the most iconic moments in modern West Ham memory and Paqueta’s role in it cannot be overlooked.
How will you remember Lucas Paqueta? 🤔
As such, some of the more positive responses read: “That through ball in Prague!!”
“The pass to Bowen in the Conference League final,” was another reply.
One supporter added: “Helping us win that trophy.”
“Great talent and the pass to Bowen,” was another response.
“The incredible effort he put into the Conference League Final,” wrote another fan.
Still, and whatever his reasoning, the fact he left the club halfway through a relegation battle does complicate the feeling somewhat.
“With the same fondness as Benni McCarthy,” replied one supporter.
Another added: “Not exactly a legend.”
“Had the ability to be so much better that’s how I will remember him,” said another fan.
One supporter wrote: “More disappointing than exciting.”
“Not good enough,” was a rather brutal assessment.
You can engage with the Hammers News writers and subscribers by signing up to TalkingPoints! A free, non-toxic community to discuss everything that’s happening at the club.
How Lucas Paqueta wants West Ham United fans to remember him
Though the strain of recent events cannot have been easy for him to deal with, fans could be forgiven for feeling let down by the Brazilian.
Quite whether he’s the right kind of player for a relegation scrap is up for debate but the fact he jumped ship halfway through one was a poor message to send.
Still, Paqueta wants West Ham fans to remember his assist for them in the 2023 Conference League final.
In his goodbye message, the 28-year-old wrote: “I know some won’t remember me fondly, and I’m sorry – but that pass to Bowen 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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