West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta could leave in the January transfer window, with the Brazilian international open to a potential departure, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed, writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter.
Paqueta was heavily linked with a departure in the summer transfer window, with GIVEMESPORT sources confirming that Aston Villa made an approach to secure his signature. Talks centred around a potential loan deal with an obligation to buy, but the Hammers didn't want to sell the former Lyon midfielder.
Paqueta remained with the capital club heading into the 2025/2026 season, and he's been a regular in the side under Graham Potter, and more recently, Nuno Espirito Santo. The Brazilian international is being linked with a move away from the Hammers once again, with the January transfer window approaching in just a few months time.
Paqueta Could Leave West Ham in January
Lucas Paqueta in action for West Ham United
Writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano has confirmed that it's a possibility that Paqueta leaves West Ham during the January transfer window. The respected reporter adds that Paqueta could be open to a departure, but it's too early to mention whether he could join another Premier League club when the market opens.
"It's a possibility, as it was at the end of August. It's not a guarantee, as it depends on West Ham, but Paqueta can be open to that solution. At the moment, it's still early to mention concrete clubs."
Romano also recently reported that Manchester United are yet to enter concrete negotiations to sign Paqueta, despite reports. Paqueta had been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but there is nothing ongoing as it stands. Romano also confirmed that West Ham won't be letting Paqueta leave on the cheap if he were to depart in the January window.
The Hammers are struggling towards the foot of the Premier League table this season, so losing Paqueta in the middle of the campaign would be a disaster. The 28-year-old scored a crucial goal against Newcastle United at the weekend, firing in from long range to beat Nick Pope.
As the Hammers look to climb up the table and escape the threat of relegation, they'll be desperate to keep hold of their key players, as they are already struggling as they sit in the bottom three in England's top flight.