Frank McAvennie has insisted Lucas Paqueta could have his head turned if a club like Real Madrid or Manchester City want to sign him in the summer transfer window.
The former Hammers man claimed that part-owner David Sullivan would not be able to turn down a big-money offer from a club like Madrid or City should one arrive this summer.
This comes just days after he suggested the Brazilian would be worth a transfer fee upwards of £100million amid interest from mega-rich Manchester City.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – did, however, suggest that Paqueta has been enjoying his football at the London Stadium, which could tempt him to stay in East London.
“Man City wanted him last year but because of the betting thing he never went. But you’re buying a player for [what he does] on the pitch, not off it,” McAvennie explained.
“If he wasn’t happy he’s not showing it because he looks like he’s really enjoying himself. You can always tell with players, I think he’ll stay, but if an offer comes in from Man City or Real Madrid, some big club, they’re going to get them and his head is going to be turned.
“There’s no way Mr Sullivan is going to refuse a big offer for somebody like that. I look at him playing and he’s enjoying himself, and the others are enjoying it.
“I wouldn’t think Paqueta would be too hurried to move, but obviously if a big club comes in then Sullivan will be saying to him ‘You are moving.’“
Could West Ham sell Lucas Paqueta this summer?
If a club the size of Real Madrid did come calling, not many people would expect Paqueta to turn down that opportunity. As things stand, he’s thriving in East London and has picked up silverware in the process, but a big move remains on the cards.
With the £100million price tag mooted, the Hammers would see a sizeable return and profit on the £36million invested to bring the Brazilian to the London Stadium in 2022.
A move to Manchester City looked more likely in the summer with Pep Guardiola reportedly keen to bring him in, but an investigation surrounding alleged betting inconsistencies saw any potential deal called off by the reigning Premier League champions
This season has seen a marked improvement in his game, with a combined eight goal contributions – three goals and five assists – in the Premier League already matching the seven he recorded across the entirety of last season.
