West Ham’s season continues to unravel, with the club struggling near the bottom of the Premier League table and goals proving difficult to come by.
To make matters worse, reports recently surfaced recently suggesting that Lucas Paquetá – who has been the club’s standout performer this term – wants to leave the London Stadium in January.
The Brazilian midfielder took to social media to seemingly downplay the rumours, and now West Ham’s position on his future has been clarified.
West Ham Paquetá Stance Revealed
Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paqueta. (REUTERS)
talkSPORT reports that West Ham have no intention of selling Lucas Paquetá during the January transfer window.
The 28-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa over the summer, with Villans manager Unai Emery known to be a fan.
However, sources close to the club insist that West Ham see a mid-season sale as damaging to their survival hopes, especially given their current struggles at both ends of the pitch.
While the hierarchy accepts that Paquetá could eventually leave next summer, they are determined to retain him for now. The player himself has not formally requested a transfer, according to sources close to owner David Sullivan.
It will come as a relief for fans desperate for quality in the squad, but it may also simply delay the inevitable.
For now, Hammers supporters can hope that Paquetá’s talent continues to shine as he fights to help the club climb away from the relegation zone.