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West Ham have agreed a deal to sell Lucas Paqueta, is the perfect replacement in the Premier League already?
West Ham have made the right decision in deciding to allow an unhappy player to leave the club.
For some time, Lucas Paqueta hasn’t looked like the same player who lit up the Premier League with speculation linking the playmaker with a return to Brazil. The 28-year old hasn’t looked like himself and, with Nuno Espirito Santo needing players who are willing to roll up their sleeves and be counted, it is best to move him on. It is scant consolation, but at least Paqueta isn’t moving to another Premier League club.
West Ham agree Lucas Paqueta transfer
According to Sky Sports, after reports of an offer earlier this week, the Hammers have given Paqueta the green light to join Flamengo: “West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta looks set to get his wish to return to Brazil after a £35.8m deal was verbally agreed to join Flamengo. The £35.8m (€41.25m) deal will be formalised in writing in next 24 hours.
“Two Premier League clubs also want to sign Paqueta this month, but his heart is set on returning to Brazil and told the Hammers of his wishes earlier this month.”
Given Paqueta’s drop in form, it isn’t a surprise to see a drop from the £51m that was paid to Lyon in 2022. It is better to make a loss but make enough money to replace him and there is a no brainer option available.
Premier League rules block West Ham from signing perfect Paqueta replacement
Currently in purgatory at Aston Villa, Harvey Elliot’s loan move from Liverpool has turned into a nightmare. After a summer where he was named player of the tournament in the Under-21 European Championships, the 22-year old seemed to have the footballing world at his feet.
The arrival of Florian Wirtz at Anfield only made life more difficult for Elliot, however, he just hasn’t been able to make the sort of impact expected of him at Villa. One main reason has been the form of Morgan Rogers but a clause ridden contract means that Elliot can’t get on the pitch.
Elliot would be the perfect replacement for Paqueta, unfortunately, West Ham won’t be able to sign him until the summer due to him having already played for two teams this season. But the Hammers will be blocked from getting this deal done, as Premier League and UEFA rules mean a player can only play for two clubs in the same campaign.
For less than the fee being received for Paqueta, West Ham could secure the services of a player who is keen to prove the doubters wrong and who has already shown that he can cope with the demands of the Premier League. They’ll just have to wait a few months to make it happen.
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