Hammers star Lucas Paqueta has painted a perfect picture of his West Ham future after those worrying Newcastle links.
It is fair to say having Lucas Paqueta has softened the blow of life without Declan Rice at West Ham.
While Hammers fans are yet to see what they really looks like, the Brazilian’s scintillating form in the final few months of his debut season certainly took the edge off Rice’s departure.
But the spending power of Newcastle United, their previous confirmed interest in Paqueta and the fact St James’ Park is home to his best friend and Champions League football has cast a shadow over West Ham of late.
It has already seen Newcastle beat the Hammers to Harvey Barnes.
So West Ham fans were extremely concerned when shock rumours of a £70m bid from Newcastle for their Brazilian magnifico emerged last month.
Especially as it came at the same time Paqueta suddenly changed agents, leaving the representatives who brokered his move to West Ham.
There was then talk of interest in West Ham’s new star player from mega rich PSG too.
At the time it was claimed ‘there are worries Paqueta may be looking for a West Ham exit’ with his actions amid the alleged renewed interest from Newcastle and Eddie Howe.
Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg, who has strong sources inside West Ham, recently claimed several players want out at the club. That further added to the anxiety among fans over Paqueta, especially when he did not return to pre-season training with the rest of West Ham’s internationals on Monday.
Hammers News exclusively explained the reason behind his late return to allay fan fears over his future.
Now Paqueta has painted a perfect picture of his West Ham future after those worrying Newcastle links.
Quite literally.
Not only did Paqueta drop a big hint over his West Ham future by changing from the number 11 to the iconic number 10 shirt.
But now he has appeared as the main star of the club’s announcement video for the brilliant new white away shirt for the 2023/24 season.
Paqueta is shown painting on a canvas and is the key man in the video – as he will be for West Ham next season.
There is no way West Ham would have Paqueta feature prominently in this promotional footage – and change to the number 10 – if they were going to entertain any bids or the player was pushing to leave.
So the Magpies can forget swooping for Paqueta, who are treading a thin line over Financial Fair Play, because the Brazilian Hammer is here to stay.
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