West Ham United star ‘wants to leave’ in major January move – Report | OneFootball

Lucas Paquetá Set to Push for West Ham Exit Amid Turmoil

West Ham United’s turbulent season has taken another turn, with reports from The Times revealing that Lucas Paquetá wants to leave the club in January. The Brazilian playmaker, 28, has grown frustrated with the situation at the London Stadium as the Hammers languish 19th in the Premier League.

Paquetá has been a rare creative spark in a struggling side, but his desire to move on appears stronger than ever. As The Times reports, “West Ham United have been dealt a fresh blow after it emerged that Lucas Paquetá is keen to leave the relegation-threatened club in January.” The midfielder had been expected to move last summer after being cleared of spot-fixing charges, yet West Ham blocked a proposed transfer to Aston Villa in the final days of the window.

It is understood that Paquetá was open to joining Unai Emery’s side, but the deal collapsed before completion. Flamengo also made a loan bid, though it was swiftly rejected. The financial constraints of the Brazilian club mean a permanent transfer back to South America remains unlikely.

Photo: IMAGO

Financial and On-Field Chaos

Paquetá’s frustration mirrors that of West Ham’s fanbase. The club has lost seven of its nine league matches, conceding 20 goals, and sits four points from safety. Despite his personal form, which includes two league goals, Paquetá has been unable to prevent the team’s alarming slide.

Adding to the uncertainty, The Times notes that “West Ham, who are set to announce significant losses for last season, could need to generate funds in January.” Such financial pressure could force the club to cash in on Paquetá, though doing so would leave a gaping hole in midfield as the relegation battle intensifies.

Manager Nuno Espírito Santo faces his own challenges. The report also states he “wants to sign a target man and defender” and could look to move on James Ward-Prowse, who has been left out of his past four squads.

From Manchester City Dream to East London Despair

Paquetá’s future once looked destined for the Etihad. In August 2023, he was on the verge of a £85 million move to Manchester City before the FA launched an investigation into betting irregularities. The charges have since been cleared, yet City opted not to revive their interest.

Having paid £51 million to Lyon in 2022, West Ham were reportedly open to selling him for a profit this summer. However, with no English club stepping forward, Paquetá remained — and his discontent has grown alongside West Ham’s decline.

He has continued to feature for Brazil, even assisting Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in a 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan earlier this month. His international form contrasts sharply with his domestic frustration, underlining why the player is eager to find a new challenge.

Supporter Anger Boils Over

West Ham’s upcoming fixtures could prove decisive, with Newcastle United visiting on Sunday. A section of fans is expected to stage a lock-in protest after the final whistle, voicing anger over the club’s direction and recruitment strategy. Six days later, Burnley arrive in another crucial game for a side desperately seeking momentum.

For now, Paquetá remains a West Ham player, but few expect that to be the case by February. His departure would be both a financial lifeline and a footballing nightmare for a team clinging to Premier League survival.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a furious West Ham supporter, it feels like the club is disintegrating before our eyes. Lucas Paquetá leaving would be the final insult in a season already defined by chaos and incompetence. The board has failed to back successive managers, and now they face losing our most talented player because of their own indecision and lack of ambition.

How did we go from European glory nights to this? We’re sitting second from bottom, staring relegation in the face, and the ownership still seems more focused on balancing books than building a team. If Paquetá goes in January, it will send a clear message to the rest of the squad — that survival no longer matters.

Fans are right to protest. Lock-ins, banners, and chants are the only language this board seems to understand. We’ve been patient long enough. Losing Paquetá won’t just hurt us creatively, it will crush morale. Unless something changes, West Ham are sleepwalking towards the Championship, and the club’s leaders will have nobody to blame but themselves.