West Ham chief Karren Brady looking angry and Lucas Paqueta in action.
Credit: Imago
Declan Carr
Wed 27 August 2025 19:10, UK
Lucas Paqueta’s West Ham future is up in the air with just days left in the transfer window.
Paqueta has previously attracted interest from Manchester City, and rival Premier League clubs are now snooping around his situation.
West Ham could bank a fee of up to £50million if they allow the 27-year-old to leave the London Stadium, but they would have little time to source a replacement before Monday’s deadline.
David Sullivan has multiple priorities in the transfer market, and replacing Paqueta would only add to his list.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta's seasons.
Credit: Imago
This article contains exclusive comments from iconic commentator Ian Darke.
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West Ham will keep Lucas Paqueta
West Ham chief Karren Brady had claimed that he was going nowhere, but Aston Villa reportedly want to sign Paqueta before the deadline.
Darke cannot see the Hammers selling the Brazilian, especially after the vice-chairwoman’s declaration live on air.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, he said: “I would have thought he is staying if that is what Karren Brady is saying in public, they need to get players in, rather than out.
“They seem to be wracked with problems all over the pitch, you know, there is no real running power in the middle of the pitch, the defence is making mistakes, they are conceding goals left, right and centre.
“One way or another, you would worry about them to be perfectly honest, I thought the way they took a tonking at Sunderland in the first game, there would be some sort of reaction against Chelsea.
“They look too easy to play against, to be honest, and I think Potter has got his work cut out to turn the tables, unless they can get some significant deals done in the next few days.”
Lucas Paqueta exit makes no sense for West Ham
It would make no sense for the Irons to let Paqueta leave this late in the window, as he is one of their few players who can make a difference on his day.
Given the way that the Irons supported him through the FA hearing over alleged betting charges, as he was eventually found innocent, it would be pretty harsh to sell him now.
Other clubs may want him, but the Hammers cannot get rid of their playmaker.
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