Journalist confirms West Ham star wants January transfer exit | OneFootball

Paquetá pushes for January exit as West Ham turmoil deepens

Lucas Paquetá is pushing to leave West Ham United in January, according to The Times, a move that underlines growing instability at a club in crisis. The Brazil midfielder, 28, has expressed his wish to move on following a turbulent year marked by failed transfers, off-field controversy and poor results on the pitch.

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Paquetá’s future in doubt

West Ham refused to sanction a late move to Aston Villa in the summer window, despite interest surfacing in the final days of August. “There was no other firm interest from a club in this country, although Flamengo made a loan bid, which was rejected,” the report stated. The East London side are reluctant to let a player of Paquetá’s calibre go cheaply, but with the team second from bottom and four points from safety, financial pressure may soon dictate their next steps.

Paquetá remains under contract until 2027 but his desire to depart adds to the club’s off-field uncertainty. The Brazilian has scored twice this season, though his performances have been overshadowed by frustration and inconsistency. His inclusion in Brazil’s recent squads, including assisting Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in a 3-2 defeat by Japan, shows his reputation abroad remains intact even as West Ham’s campaign collapses domestically.

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Mounting problems at West Ham

West Ham have lost seven of their last nine league games, conceding 20 goals in that run. Supporter unrest is growing, with protests planned at the next home fixture against Newcastle United and another during the upcoming clash with Burnley.

The report adds that Nuno Espírito Santo is already planning reshuffles, targeting a striker and a defender while open to offloading James Ward-Prowse, who has been left out of his last four matchday squads.

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Financial reality and squad reshaping

West Ham are expected to announce significant financial losses from last season, adding urgency to player sales. A previous £85 million deal with Manchester City collapsed in 2023 after betting allegations surfaced around Paquetá, but those charges have since been dropped. City have since cooled interest, while Paquetá’s relationship with the club appears to have reached breaking point.

Unless results improve before January, the fear is that selling Paquetá could weaken an already fragile squad and accelerate their slide towards relegation.

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The hope that Paquetá might rediscover his best form and lead the team’s recovery is fading fast. Instead, it now feels like the club’s brightest spark is ready to give up on the fight.

There is frustration that the club’s hierarchy appear unable to keep their best players or build around them. The failed move to Aston Villa lingers as a symbol of poor timing and indecision.

Financial concerns and talk of further sales only deepen the sense of disillusionment. Supporters have already endured years of inconsistency and mistrust towards the board, and another high-profile exit could ignite further protests.

What will hurt most is the sense of inevitability. The Paquetá saga feels like another chapter in a wider story of missed opportunities and internal dysfunction. Unless the club can regain stability on and off the pitch, losing a player of his stature may mark the beginning of an even more difficult period for West Ham.