Graham Potter is reportedly keen to retain West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paqueta beyeond the summer transfer window.
According to an update by reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano via X, Graham Potter has intervened directly to keep Lucas Paqueta at West Ham United, holding private conversations with both the player and the club’s board. The West Ham boss is adamant that Paqueta remains central to his plans and is not a player the club should even consider cashing in on this summer.
Potter’s arrival at the London Stadium has brought fresh ideas and a more possession-based approach, one that relies heavily on creativity between the lines. Few players in the Premier League fit that description better than Lucas Paqueta, whose blend of flair, technical quality, and leadership has made him one of West Ham’s most valuable assets since his arrival from Lyon for €43 million in 2022.
It is no surprise, then, that Potter has made his feelings clear. He sees Paqueta not just as a star performer but as a cornerstone around which to build his midfield. By giving the Brazilian his full trust and guaranteeing him a central role in the project, Potter has sent the strongest possible message: Paquetá is non-negotiable.
Offers on the table for Lucas Paqueta but West Ham standing firm
Paqueta has been the subject of interest both in the Premier League and abroad, with multiple proposals arriving over the past few weeks. However, with Graham Potter’s public and private stance now evident, West Ham’s position is clear: they would rather build around him than bank a fee.
That said, the decision is not entirely in the club’s hands. Paqueta has been considering his options, weighing the lure of a new challenge against his established role in East London. Yet Potter’s intervention may prove decisive, with insiders now suggesting the Hammers are increasingly confident the midfielder will commit to staying.
A turbulent end to the summer transfer window for West Ham United
If Paqueta stays, it’s a huge win for Potter at the start of his tenure. It would provide stability in midfield, preserve one of the Premier League’s most gifted creators, and send a statement to supporters that West Ham are serious about competing on multiple fronts this season.
For the player himself, it could be the chance to thrive under a manager who has a history of nurturing flair players and giving them the freedom to express themselves. With the Hammers set to face another demanding campaign domestically and in Europe, keeping Paqueta might be as important as any new signing they make this summer. If the loss to Sunderland has shown us anything, it is that the Hammers will need all the help they can this season.