Lucas Paqueta’s West Ham United future is shrouded in mystery right now.
Flamengo are quite clearly desperate to sign Paqueta from West Ham in the January transfer window.
On Wednesday, it was claimed that Paqueta would be joining Flamengo from West Ham ‘within 24 hours’.
That obviously hasn’t happened, but the 28-year-old is obviously keen to return to his homeland.
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The West Ham board then accused Paqueta of ‘playing games’ regarding his apparent back injury.
The former Lyon man’s future at the London Stadium looks very bleak indeed.
However, a new claim has just emerged from Brazil regarding Paqueta and it might just surprise the Hammers fans.
Yet another Lucas Paqueta twist ahead of West Ham vs Sunderland
The Hammers face a really tough game against Sunderland on Saturday.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side cannot afford to lose against the Black Cats.
In all honesty, it’s actually a game that the Hammers have to win.
Ahead of the game against Sunderland, a new claim has been made by Brazilian journalist Raisa Simplicio about Paqueta.
She suggests that Paqueta is set to return to training on Friday, having been out of action with a back injury.
However, Nuno has already confirmed that Paqueta will not be in the squad for the Sunderland game.
So the Brazilian is clearly just training in order to maintain his fitness ahead of a move to Flamengo.
West Ham have to sell Paqueta now
If the Hammers are able to recoup anything like £30-35 million for the 28-year-old, it would be a terrific deal for the football club.
Paqueta hasn’t been anywhere near good enough for West Ham over the past two years.
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Yes, he has had a lot to deal with off the pitch but still, elite-level sport is ruthless, and he simply hasn’t produced the goods consistently enough.
It’s time for Paqueta to move on from West Ham. Everybody knows it and now the Hammers board simply have to ensure that a deal can be facilitated.
£30-35 million for someone who will be out of contract in the summer of 2027 would represent great business for the Hammers.
It’s not as if the club need Paqueta during a relegation scrap either. He’s a luxury player – often a passenger who has proven to be a liability more than an asset for West Ham.
The sooner the Hammers are able to sell him, the better it will be for everyone at the London Stadium.
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