Lucas Paqueta warms up before a West Ham match
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Lloyd
Mon 25 August 2025 13:10, UK
Lucas Paqueta could be set to depart West Ham in the final week of the summer transfer window, with Aston Villa among the interested suitors.
Newcastle are among the other clubs linked with a move for Paqueta, who joined the Hammers in 2022 from Ligue 1 club Lyon.
West Ham lost to Chelsea on Friday, 22 August, despite the Brazilian opening the scoring from range with a brilliant strike.
Paqueta’s celebration appeared to dismiss questions surrounding his future, with the midfielder kissing the badge towards the fans.
But links have persisted, with West Ham open to selling the 27-year-old after he was found innocent of FA betting charges last month.
Graham Potter smiling
Potter is hoping for further signings (Credit: Imago)
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How much could West Ham sell Lucas Paqueta for?
The Daily Mail reported on 25 August that Villa are interested in a potential move for Paqueta, with the Villans keen on a midfielder following Boubacar Kamara’s injury.
West Ham will be keen to recoup much, if not all, of the £51million they spent to sign the midfielder in 2022.
The Brazilian had been close to making an £80m move to Manchester City in 2023, but the move collapsed after the emergence of the FA’s investigation.
Lucas Paqueta In all competitions 2022/23
Appearances 43
Goals 5
Assists 7
The Hammers will not be expecting to see such figures again, with Paqueta’s value falling due to his form last season and his age.
But decision-makers at The London Stadium will believe it is reasonable to expect around £45-50m for the playmaker, who registered 10 direct Premier League goal contributions in the 2023/24 season.
Whether Villa would be willing to pay such a fee remains to be seen, but the Hammers will be equally happy to see the midfielder stay at the club.
West Ham may be better off keeping Lucas Paqueta
West Ham are already in need of a midfielder, or two, in the remaining days of the transfer window.
Decision-makers have left key parts of the summer business to the final moment, with Graham Potter keen to refresh his squad.
The sale of Paqueta, whilst affording West Ham extra room within the Profit and Sustainability Rules, would ultimately add another position to the long list of transfer aims.
The Hammers would be better off keeping the midfielder for one final season before attempting to attain as much as possible next summer.
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