‘Massive’ sighs of relief throughout the West Ham fan base, if a new report out this afternoon proves to be correct. For most West Ham fans, the second thought last week when the verdict came through, after expressing relief that the Hammers’ number 10 had been acquitted of the FA charges was ‘Will Man City come and buy him now”?
West Ham’s subsequent talking up of his valuation was equally worrying: Clearly there was an opportunity for a move away from West Ham if the price was right. which would be pretty tough to take coming straight after the ‘Mohammed Kudus to Spurs’ deal.
Welcome today, then, was a report entitled “Not Paqueta:Pep could land his new Iniesta” which certainly grabbed my attention.
Most Read on West Ham News
It seems that Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola is heading off in search of a new recruit, instead of Lucas Paqueta. According to the report by footballfancast.com, the Cityzens are focussed on:
“A bid for a 22-year-old midfielder, already being dubbed by many as the new Andres Iniesta…*Fermin López is a graduate of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy – the same finishing school that honed teammates Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Pedri…. Respected talent scout Jacek Kulig labelled him a genius.”*
Which is hugely welcome news for West Ham: The signs are that Paquetá is getting his mojo back and – even if for one season only – it would be a treat for West Ham fans to see the Brazilian restored to his best. Plus of course there’d be a shedload of extra Premier League points for the Hammers.
One report we very much hope is accurate, then, and Manchester City do head off after their ‘new Iniesta.’ Of course that still leaves the Saudi predators in the equation but the player himself will have far better exposure and a raised chance of making the Brazil team for next summer’s World Cup by staying in the Premier League.
Another year then- we can but hope.