Three Paqueta replacements West Ham should target this summer to fill creativity void | OneFootball

West Ham United look increasingly capable of escaping the relegation battle and securing their stay in the Premier League for another season.

The Hammers have found a new gear in recent weeks, and all signs point to a last-minute escape with their rivals struggling.

However, they cannot afford to repeat past mistakes. West Ham have several holes in the squad to plug, most especially in the creativity department.

Lucas Paqueta left West Ham to return to Brazil in January, leaving the club searching for a replacement.

Winter signing Pablo Felipe has not moved the needle, meaning West Ham might need to re-enter the market for a creative to bolster the engine room.

Read on as we analyse three potential Paqueta replacements who can be transformative for West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Romano Schmid – Werder Bremen

Austrian playmaker Romano Schmid has been consistently sensational for Werder Bremen.

The Hammers have previously been linked with Schmid, but now is the perfect time for the club to pounce.

The 26-year-old has scored twice and created 16 big chances in 26 Bundesliga appearances this season. He plays an average of 2.7 key passes per game and holds his own defensively.

Schmid is unflashy, but his ability to unlock defences is second to none.

After a slight dip last season following an excellent 2023/24 campaign, he has bounced back, playing a key role in Bremen’s bid to avoid relegation.

Schmid could potentially create chances for Valentin Castellanos, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville

With his contract expiring in 2027, West Ham can sign the 31-cap Austrian international for a reasonable fee.

Thiago Almada – Atletico Madrid

Thiago Almada is finding life difficult at Atletico Madrid under the notoriously rigid Diego Simeone.

Born in Ciudadela, hometown of Carlos Tevez, Almada broke out at Velez Sarsfield before a shock move to Atalanta United and an even more surprising transfer to Botafogo.

From there, he joined Lyon before earning a big move to the Spanish capital. While it has not worked out for him in Spain, he could be a game-changer for West Ham in England.

Almada is a stylish, yet tenacious, diminutive midfielder who can run a game for 90 minutes. His probing passes, driving capacity and ability to evade the press will excite West Ham fans.

A midfield triumvirate of Almada, Mateus Fernandes and a quality new anchor at the base could rival several top-half Premier League sides.

West Ham could take him on loan and agree to a purchase clause at the end of the season. His quality could take West Ham to the next level.

Harvey Elliott – Liverpool

Harvey Elliott is another intriguing option for West Ham. He is a low-risk, high-upside solution to their creative void.

Elliott previously rejected a move to West Ham, but he may now regret that decision.

He has since endured a torrid spell on loan at Aston Villa from Liverpool, failing to nail down a consistent role. However, that dip should not overshadow his talent.

Elliott showed what he is capable of during the 2023/24 campaign, registering four goals and 14 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions.

His ability to operate between the lines, thread incisive passes, and dictate tempo makes him a natural fit for a side crying out for invention.

He could freely orchestrate attacks for West Ham. They could offer him a platform to rebuild confidence and rediscover rhythm.

The 22-year-old has time firmly on his side. A move to West Ham might be the reset he needs, and the spark they are searching for.