Ahead of the final round of USA – based friendlies, Graham Potter has spoken of his hopes for the summer window and expectations as to the shape of his squad for the start of the Premier league come August 16th. As widely predicted, the Hammers’ manager has confirmed that Michail Antonio will not be featuring for West Ham again after the ending of his contract.
Maybe someone needs to have a word with the media team because Antonio is still featured as the ‘number nine’on the club’s web site.
Most Read on West Ham News
More importantly, Potter believes Lucas Paquetá is going nowhere in the weeks remaining of the summer window, despite reports speculatively linking the Brazilian with a move to Guardiola’s Manchester City. According to bbc.co.uk:
“You never know for sure because anything can happen in the window with anybody.. But the news is incredibly positive. If it had gone the other way, there would have been a whole other line of questions. Lucas is happy and committed. He is an important person in dressing room and at the club and we love him”
Nevertheless, in view of the conjecture regarding “who signed Callum Wilson“- suggesting that Potter is not the man with the final say on transfer dealings-critics within the West Ham fan base will remain sceptical that Potter has the casting vote and if the cash offer is big enough, Lucas Paqueta will be on his way. For those fans, September 1st cannot come fast enough – but as far as West Ham’s manager is concerned, his number 10 will be a Hammer next season.