West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta with chairman David Sullivan inset
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Wed 29 October 2025 8:10, UK
West Ham could be forced into selling Lucas Paqueta in January, with the midfielder supposedly looking to jump ship.
Paqueta wants to leave West Ham, with Nuno Espirito Santo‘s team currently appearing destined for the drop.
The Hammers have won just one of their opening nine Premier League games, and now face an incredibly difficult run of fixtures.
Paqueta was strongly linked with a late move to Aston Villa in the summer transfer window, but the deal ultimately failed to materialise.
And in the Hammers’ win over Nottingham Forest at the end of August, Paqueta scored and celebrated by kissing the West Ham badge, in what looked to be a clear signal of intent.
Lucas Paqueta celebrating for West Ham by holding his hands to his ears
credit: Imago
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How much could West Ham sell Lucas Paqueta for in January?
Villa’s bid for Paqueta was reportedly worth £50million, which would have all but earned West Ham the money back that it took to sign the Brazilian in 2022.
The 28-year-old would have attracted an even loftier fee if he had left the London Stadium in 2023, with Manchester City agreeing an £80m deal.
But news of the FA’s investigation into potential betting charges against the midfielder killed that move, and Paqueta‘s form over the subsequent seasons suffered massively as the legal process dragged.
Finally, this year, the former Lyon man was cleared of any wrongdoing and is once again free to treat his career as any other player would.
Should West Ham decide to grant Paqueta his wish of a move away from the club in January, they would likely receive offers lower than that of Villa’s £50m.
Whether decision-makers would accept bids of such a level or not, the Hammers are more likely to field offers around the £40-45m mark.
Paqueta has stood out at times for West Ham this season
There is no getting around it. West Ham have been simply dreadful this season so far.
Paqueta has not exactly helped guide the Hammers to better form, but the midfielder has stood out at certain points.
Lucas Paqueta Premier League 2025-26
Appearances 9
Goals 2
Chances created 13
Successful dribbles 8
Fouls won 17
Duels won 69
His goal against Chelsea, while ultimately meaningless, was superb, and the Brazilian has put in strong performances against Nottingham Forest and Everton.
West Ham will have to decide whether the £40m they could attract for Paqueta is worth the increased chance of spending next season in the Championship.
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