West Ham’s transfer window has been… divisive.
On one hand, they’ve lost some huge names. Star man Mohammed Kudus was snapped up by Spurs. Michail Antonio, the club’s record Premier League scorer, has been released. Long-serving full-backs Aaron Cresswell and Vladimír Coufal are also gone. That’s a lot of experience and quality ripped out of the squad.
On the other, there has been recruitment — though it’s been a mixed bag so far. Callum Wilson and Kyle Walker-Peters bring Premier League experience, but neither has hit the ground running. Mads Hermansen… well, the less said about his first two games in goal, the better.
There are positives.
Mateus Fernandes was a huge get from Southampton and has shown flashes of the tenacity West Ham’s midfield has been crying out for. Soungoutou Magassa looks like another smart pick-up with long-term upside. And now, perhaps the biggest boost of all…
Paquetá to Stay with West Ham
West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta. (REUTERS/Tony O Brien)
West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta is still wanted by Man City. (REUTERS/Tony O Brien)
According to a new report from TalkSPORT, Lucas Paquetá will stay at West Ham after the club rejected a £47m approach from Aston Villa.
Villa had wanted to take the Brazilian on loan with an obligation to buy — but the Hammers flatly refused, sticking to their valuation of over £60 million.
It comes after earlier links to Tottenham, though Spurs’ £51.8 million swoop for Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig has ended their interest.
For West Ham, keeping Paquetá is absolutely vital. Described as an “ace” by former teammate Emerson Palmieri, the Brazilian has been the only real spark in a dreadful start to the season. Two of the team’s three goals so far have been his. Losing him now would have been catastrophic.
Instead, for once, it’s some good news. Amid all the departures and all the doom, West Ham have at least managed to hang on to their one true star.