Surprise Lucas Paqueta claim emerges as West Ham look to make big January moves. West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has experienced a really rough time over the past 15 months.
Lucas Paqueta has been nowhere near his best for West Ham this season, and it’s obvious as to why he’s underperforming.
The 27-year-old Hammers star has been hit with four separate charges pertaining to potential betting breaches, and he apparently faces a lifetime ban if found guilty.
Whether Paqueta is guilty or not, it cannot have been easy for him to maintain his focus, with his future as a professional footballer completely up in the air.
It’s painfully clear to see that he’s not playing with freedom, and his confidence is at rock bottom right now.
So what does the future hold for Lucas?
Lucas Paqueta claim as West Ham look to make January moves. The Brazilian has not only been ineffectual for us in the final third this season, but he has also been a liability defensively.
Paqueta has single-handedly cost us goals against Tottenham and Manchester City, and his all-round performances have been truly dreadful on the whole. He has been an absolute shadow of his former self over the past 12 months really.
Now it seems like the Hammers may well have had enough.
According to The Sun, Brazilian side Botafogo are interested in signing Paqueta, and West Ham could be willing to sell him in January.
I think if we have the chance to move Paqueta on, even for £10 million or so, we should sell the 27-year-old without a second thought, despite the fact that it would represent a huge loss on what we paid for him.
If the former Lyon man does get found guilty for his alleged role in the betting scam, and subsequently receives a lengthy ban, we won’t get any money at all for him.
On his day, West Ham star Lucas Paqueta can be totally unplayable, but we haven’t seen his best form for quite some time now.
In my opinion, the Hammers owners definitely should cut their losses on the Brazil international, if the opportunity arises to do so.
If Paqueta is moved on, I think it could be the start of something special for us. The Hammers will hopefully then sign an energetic attacking midfielder with youth on his side. Then we can move on from the Brazilian, and all the baggage he brings with him.
