Report: West Ham could cash in with cut-price transfer this summer | OneFootball

Report: West Ham face difficult decision over Lucas Paqueta future

The future of Lucas Paqueta at West Ham United has again become a central talking point, with strong indications that the club may reluctantly be preparing for life without their Brazilian playmaker. According to Caught Offside, the Hammers have now reduced their asking price to £30-40 million, a figure that immediately opens the door to some of Europe’s most ambitious clubs.

This marks a dramatic shift from just a year ago when the midfielder was subject to bids close to £80 million. At that point, legal complications surrounding spot-fixing allegations stalled any potential move. With the case now resolved in his favour and his reputation restored, the interest has swiftly returned.

Photo: IMAGO

Interest from Premier League giants

Manchester City are once again leading the chase. Pep Guardiola has long admired Paqueta’s technical vision and creative flair. A move to the Etihad would provide City with another option in attacking midfield, particularly as they seek to maintain their dominance in England and Europe.

Tottenham Hotspur, under new manager Thomas Frank, are also showing strong interest. Frank is looking to add both versatility and invention to his squad, and Paqueta’s profile fits neatly with his tactical demands.

Crystal Palace, surprisingly, are another name in the conversation. Palace see the 27-year-old as a potential marquee addition who could transform their attack, especially if they lose Eberechi Eze. Such a move would represent a bold step for a club often accused of playing within safe financial limits.

European and Saudi interest

Outside of England, there have been approaches from Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. However, Paqueta has little appetite for a move to the Gulf at this point in his career. His preference remains with elite European football, where he believes his creativity and technical quality are best showcased. Flamengo, the club where he first emerged, are also admirers but there is no sense that a return to Brazil is imminent.

“Paqueta still feels he has a lot to achieve in Europe before considering other options,” one source close to the player explained.

Photo: IMAGO

West Ham’s strategic dilemma

The most pressing issue is how West Ham themselves approach the situation. Having already set a valuation significantly lower than last summer’s figures, the club appear open to negotiations. The challenge is balancing the desire to keep one of their most naturally gifted players with the financial realities of modern football.

As one insider noted to Caught Offside: “West Ham know they risk unsettling the player if they refuse to engage with interested clubs, and given the calibre of suitors circling, an exit is looking increasingly likely.”

Paqueta remains under contract, but the signs suggest the London club are mindful of the dangers of forcing an unhappy player to stay. His performances last season, when he played 33 league matches and scored four goals, demonstrate his importance to the squad. Yet the financial incentive of a £30-40 million sale, combined with the looming prospect of reinvestment, could tip the balance.

Future implications for West Ham

If Paqueta departs, the question becomes how West Ham replace him. The attacking midfield role is one of the hardest positions to fill, especially with a player of his technical quality. Early reports suggest the club may already be scanning the market, including exploring interest in Arsenal’s fringe playmakers.

West Ham supporters will naturally feel concerned that a player of Paqueta’s calibre could leave for a fee seen as well below market value. It would be a move that underlines the complicated balance between sporting ambition and financial pragmatism.

At this stage, the direction appears set. The valuation drop is more than a hint that the club are bracing themselves for bids. What remains uncertain is whether the Brazilian’s next chapter will be written in Manchester, North London, South London or elsewhere in Europe.

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From a West Ham supporter’s perspective, this report stirs real frustration. Lucas Paqueta has been one of the most technically gifted players to wear the claret and blue in recent years. He brings a level of creativity that the team has often lacked, and losing him, especially at £30-40 million, feels like a step backwards.

There is also the sense that West Ham should not be rushing to sell unless the price truly reflects his quality. Just last summer, we were hearing of bids close to £80 million. Now, because of circumstances outside the player’s control, the value has been halved. For fans, that feels like poor business. If Manchester City or Tottenham want him, they should be paying premium money, not a discounted figure.

Of course, there is a risk of keeping an unsettled player. If Paqueta wants Champions League football, West Ham cannot offer it right now. But it is up to the club to show ambition too. The money received from a potential sale must be reinvested wisely. That means targeting two or three high-level players who can strengthen multiple areas of the squad, not simply pocketing the cash.

Ultimately, for many fans, this will be judged on who comes in next. Selling Paqueta for £30-40 million only makes sense if the recruitment is strong enough to ensure the team do not lose momentum. Otherwise, this could look like another case of West Ham failing to match the ambition of their supporters.