West Ham's Lucas Paqueta
(Credit: Imago)
West Ham Zone Speaking to Martin Allen
Thu 26 June 2025 7:10, UK
West Ham could be set to land a replacement for Lucas Paqueta this summer.
The Brazil international continues to be embroiled in spot fixing charge controversy, which has left a dark spot on his season in E20.
There is every chance that this process will last for many more months, leaving further uncertainty surrounding the London Stadium.
As a result, potential alternatives will be assessed with Bournemouth ace Hamed Traore emerging as a potential target moving deeper into the summer.
Lucas Paqueta is facing large scale uncertainty at West Ham (Credit: Imago)
Traore could replace Paqueta at West Ham
At the end of the campaign, the 27-year-old seemingly waved goodbye to the travelling faithful after the win against Ipswich Town.
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That hasn’t resulted in an early move in this window, leaving West Ham with reservations over their PSR and any potential punishment.
As a result, a number of questions have been asked about Paqueta and how likely he is to escape from the FA without problems.
This will leave Graham Potter’s side in a sticky situation financially and on the pitch, as the Brazilian’s absence would leave a hole in the squad.
A swoop for Traore at Bournemouth could be utilised, something with a frustrated Martin Allen believes could be a possibility.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham News, the ex-Brentford manager said: “What is going to happen with Paqueta? Is he going to stay?
“He’s under investigation, and we don’t know when the result of his hearing is going to come out. It is massive.
“What are West Ham going to do? Sell him and try and get £50m for him, or if he’s found guilty, he’s worth zero. It’s a real dilemma.
“They are at a real disadvantage in the market because they’ve got an asset worth a huge amount of money that they might have to replace.
“Is Traore the one? He’s at Bournemouth, he’s a good player, has pace and is on the way up, but hasn’t made it yet.
“I imagine West Ham will want to bring players in like that because they need to freshen the squad up.
“*He is probably in the style that West Ham wants to help improve the athleticism and mobility of the squad.*“
Lucas Paqueta’s trial is postponed
Lucas Paqueta could be sold by West Ham after his trial (Credit: Imago)
Traore could shine at West Ham
In a worst-case scenario, the East London outfit will be without one of their best players for the upcoming season.
There is no doubt that the Brazilian will need replacing, but Traore could certainly prove to be an ideal option, as a cheap deal could be on the table.
The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Auxerre from Bournemouth and performed well in a mid-table finish.
Stat (Ligue 1 24/25) Hamed Traore
Appearances 26
Goals 10
Assists 2
Hamed Traore Auxerre stats 24/25
This saw the Ivory Coast international contribute to 12 goals on what was his second loan deal away from the Cherries after spending a prior spell at Napoli.
If Potter can agree a deal for the ex-Sassuolo man, he could complement Jarrod Bowen and Cyrsencio Summerville well in claret and blue.
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