Lucas Paqueta looking frustrated towards a picture of Bilal El Khannouss at Leicester City
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Wed 27 August 2025 11:10, UK
West Ham could look to directly replace Lucas Paqueta with Bilal El Khannouss before the window ends.
West Ham are one of many sides interested in El Khannouss this summer after a positive campaign last time around despite Leicester City’s relegation.
This has seen Newcastle United be linked to El Khannouss alongside West Ham, although it doesn’t appear that this has cooled the intrigue of Graham Potter at the London Stadium.
As a result, the Hammers could look to make a late move for the Morocco international, although it may now come at the expense of Paqueta in East London.
This is especially the case after a fresh £35million development emerged away from E20, which could open the door for West Ham to land El Khannouss this summer.
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This story includes exclusive comment from former manager Martin Allen.
West Ham can beat Crystal Palace to Bilal El Khannouss signing
It is safe to say that the Irons are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements right now, especially after the defeat against Chelsea last time out.
Despite opening the scoring in E20, the Hammers went on to lose in humiliating fashion.
Paqueta scored the opener with a superb effort from range
The Brazilian’s brilliance was quickly cancelled out by Joao Pedro
Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah scored for Chelsea
This saw the Irons lose 5-1 in their first home game of the season
Strong exit links for Paqueta to Aston Villa have followed, something which would leave an even larger hole in Potter’s squad.
This could see El Khannouss come in as a direct replacement, with the door left open after a move to Crystal Palace fell through, as Leicester want £35m for his services.
Former Foxes boss Allen believes a deal could still be done by the Hammers, especially if Paqueta is to depart before the 1 September deadline.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen said: “I think an attacking midfield player like that will be crucial for West Ham.
“I really feel that after a few brilliant seasons at West Ham, Paqueta has had a tough time with the case against him, and I think it has badly affected him.
“He struggled at the back end of last season, so I’d probably look at selling him and replacing him with El Khannouss from Leicester. He’s a skilful, attacking player as well.
“He would give Potter more athleticism and energy to strengthen that midfield, which at the moment is seriously lacking.
“West Ham will now be trying to entice him to join instead of Crystal Palace.”
Aston Villa could get green light to sign Lucas Paqueta
As disappointing as it may be, losing Paqueta this summer could prove to be the catalyst for big change moving forward.
After a hugely frustrating start, making changes to build a unified team rather than one made of individuals could be wise.
Paqueta does have that element of individuality, which could end up going against Potter when he isn’t having his best day in claret and blue.
Stat per 90 Lucas Paqueta
Successful passes 41.87
Dribble success 50.00
Dispossessed 1.93
Dribbled past 1.06
Lucas Paqueta has some frailties that don’t benefit West Ham
As a result, the signing of El Khannouss could be perfect for the Irons and also allow some much-needed funds to come in for the sale of Paqueta to Unai Emery’s Villa.
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