Lucas Paqueta in West Ham away shirt
Credit: Manh Tung
Josh Edwards
Sun 31 August 2025 16:15, UK
Lucas Paqueta made his feelings clear on the speculation linking him with an exit from West Ham.
This summer has been a miserable one for West Ham, which has only been amplified by the rumours connecting Paqueta with an exit from the London Stadium.
Aston Villa have been heavily linked with Paqueta, who started and scored in West Ham’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.
He was superb on the day, and he made a statement about his future at West Ham with a celebration immediately after he doubled the Hammers’ advantage.
Lucas Paqueta pre-match before West Ham's pre-season match against Manchester United
Credit: Imago
Lucas Paqueta is going nowhere this summer
Man City were linked with Paqueta, as were Everton and as were Aston Villa most recently.
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It was claimed that the Hammers were open to his exit, with news that a deal was advancing with Aston Villa for his transfer from the London Stadium.
124 appearances for West Ham
21 goals scored
14 assists
The Brazilian, just minutes after Jarrod Bowen gave his side the lead, doubled their advantage from the penalty spot, and he made a point about his future with his celebration.
Running over to the away support, Paqueta immediately gestured a phone call, before then throwing the metaphorical phone away, proceeding to kiss the West Ham badge.
Speculation will not go away ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, but this was a clear statement from Paqueta to show that he is going nowhere this summer.
West Ham can finally move forward with Lucas Paqueta
It has been a very difficult few months for Paqueta at the London Stadium, but the hope will be that things can start progressing in the right direction from today onwards.
Paqueta’s future seems to be with the Irons, and if so, he will have a massive role to play in their resurgence.
Graham Potter remains under pressure at West Ham, but this win will do wonders to ease some of that concern, and with Paqueta set to stay for the long run, it can only be seen as a huge benefit on and off the pitch.
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