Newcastle United suddenly have the chance to reignite their interest in former target Lucas Paqueta.
The Magpies are no strangers to going back in for players they missed out on. In fact, it is the foundation of their current centre-back pairing. Newcastle United missed out on Sven Botman six months before completing a deal, while 12 months separated Eddie Howe’s first move for Malick Thiaw and his arrival at St James’ Park.
There have also been multiple pursuits of Hugo Ekitike, but the less said about that the better.
Now Newcastle United have another opportunity to swoop in for a former target, with Lucas Paqueta eyeing a fresh challenge.
Lucas Paqueta watches the ball during West Ham United's Premier League loss against Leeds United.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Former Newcastle United target Lucas Paqueta wants to leave West Ham
Amid West Ham United’s perilous situation, there is now a fear that they could lose one of their best players.
According to the Times, Lucas Paqueta wants to leave the club when the January transfer window opens.
That almost happened in the summer, but a move to Aston Villa collapsed. It was also reported that Newcastle wanted Paqueta, having tried to sign him on multiple occasions in the past.
The Brazil international was a key target for Eddie Howe’s side in 2022. A January bid was rejected, while that summer saw Paqueta join West Ham for £51million instead.
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He has been a dream signing for the Toon Army for a long time, and the same goes for Bruno Guimaraes. The duo became best friends at Lyon, and Bruno has admitted he would love Paqueta to join him at Newcastle United.
“I played with him at Lyon, I would say Lucas Paqueta [to join Newcastle United],” he said in January 2024.
“He is one of my best friends. I like him, so I would say him.”
The Magpies have a fresh chance to turn that dream into a reality, but it would be a surprise if Ross Wilson’s first major signing as sporting director saw Paqueta arrive at St James’ Park.
Why Newcastle United are unlikely to reignite interest in Lucas Paqueta
Paqueta is a supremely talented player, while he has the technical qualities in central areas that Eddie Howe is arguably missing.
However, that does not mean that the 28-year-old is likely to arrive on Tyneside.
While Newcastle do need more guile in centre-midfield, they will argue that they already have it in Jacob Ramsey. He joined the Magpies from Aston Villa for £43million during the summer, but is yet to truly show Toon fans what he is capable of.
Ramsey is not a regular starter for Newcastle United yet, but his chance will come. That should fill the creative void that Paqueta would fill if he joined the club.
Paqueta’s age is also an issue. While 28 is certainly not old, PIF are unlikely to sanction another major deal for a player who is not too far away from 30. The Newcastle United owners took a risk signing Yoane Wissa for £55million, but the 29-year-old was seen as the exception to the club’s recruitment rule.
Speaking of recruitment, there might not be much of that in January anyway. Geordie Boot Boys understand that Newcastle United are expected to be quiet in January.