West Ham United chairman David Sullivan is not planning to sanction Lucas Paqueta's departure from the London Stadium when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year after the Brazilian playmaker has not been agitating for an exit, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed on the latest episode of our Market Madness podcast.
The Hammers allowed Mohammed Kudus to seal a big-money move to arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur during the summer and, despite appointing Nuno Espirito Santo as their new head coach in September, they have still found themselves in the Premier League's relegation zone ahead of this weekend's clash with Burnley.
But West Ham are not entertaining the possibility of allowing key members of the squad to embark on a fresh challenge midway through the season as there is an awareness that it could leave their hopes of retaining their top flight status in jeopardy.
Paqueta Will Not be Allowed to Quit in Winter Window
Lucas Paqueta in action for West Ham United
West Ham have no interest in selling Paqueta in January, according to GMS sources, and their stance is not expected to change regardless of whether they identify an ideal replacement as they brace themselves for potential offers when suitors are able to test their resolve during the fast-approaching transfer window.
The creative midfielder is preparing to enter the final 18 months of his contract, which allows him to pocket £150,000-per-week before bonuses, but the Hammers are adamant that he can play a key role in them pulling away from the Premier League's drop zone as they aim to stave off relegation to the Championship.
Sources close to Sullivan have told GMS that Paqueta has not asked to quit West Ham, resulting in the co-owner making the decision not to offload him if advances are made, and the east Londoners have also denied suggestions that they would accept a bid worth £50million at the turn of the year.
Lucas Paqueta's statistics for West Ham United this season
The 28-year-old downplayed speculation that he has been eyeing a mid-season move by taking to social media to post a photo of him and his sons in Hammers kits, which came after he also kissed the badge and imitated throwing away a phone after scoring from the penalty spot in the victory over Nottingham Forest in August.
West Ham have an option to extend Paqueta's deal by another year, GMS sources have been informed, and he remains committed to the east Londoners despite initially being on course to join Manchester City for in the region of £80million before he was embroiled in an investigation over gambling breaches.
Hammers Expecting Paqueta to Depart Next Summer
Lucas Paqueta in action for West Ham United
GMS sources understand that West Ham have accepted that Paqueta is likely to head through the exit door in the summer, with Aston Villa continuing to show the most concrete interest after their advances in the final days of the last transfer window, but Nuno and other influential figures are adamant that he will play a vital role in attempting to climb the Premier League table.
The Brazil international grabbed the equaliser as the Hammers went on to bag their first home win of the season last weekend, with a Sven Botman own goal and a sliding Tomas Soucek effort sealing a comeback victory against Newcastle United, and it has been acknowledged that allowing him to depart could prove costly as they look to avoid relegation.
Aston Villa's admiration is being driven by boss Unai Emery, GMS sources have learned, but the Midlands outfit's financial situation means they will find it difficult to pull off a winter deal even if West Ham make an eleventh-hour U-turn and decide to cash in on Paqueta due to profit and sustainability rules.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 07/11/2025
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