Breaking News as West Ham manager Graham Potter has his head in his hands while Lucas Paqueta is in action.
Credit: Imago
Evan Shaw
Sat 30 August 2025 11:48, UK
Lucas Paqueta is likely to be absent from the West Ham squad to take on Nottingham Forest amid a major development regarding his future.
The Brazilian has been heavily linked with an exit from E20 in the last few days, with several clubs eyeing late attempts to try and prize him away from the London Stadium.
Karren Brady had previously suggested that West Ham would keep Paqueta a few weeks ago, but those claims now look unlikely as we head towards deadline day.
Graham Potter is under ever-increasing pressure after a poor start to the season, and he could now be forced to live without a key player for Sunday’s game.
West Ham manager Graham Potter squints into the distance.
Credit: Imago
Lucas Paqueta in talks with Aston Villa over a move
West Ham have received interest in Paqueta from Aston Villa, and they have even now submitted a loan-to-buy offer for him.
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The deal could potentially see the Hammers receive a £5million loan fee for their star, followed by a further £45m to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
The Villans appear to be using that structure as a way around their PSR issues, and the Hammers have seemingly been enticed by their proposal.
Paqueta is now in talks with the second city outfit over the potential move, according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna via his X account.
He adds that there is “a lot of chance” that the Brazilian will not have travelled North with his teammates ahead of Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest as his possible exit looms.
Lucas Paqueta pre-match before West Ham's pre-season match against Manchester United
Credit: Imago
West Ham need money for Lucas Paqueta now
Paqueta is one of few West Ham assets that could potentially command a sizeable transfer fee, but if he is to depart ahead of the imminent deadline, then they could really do with the money upfront.
The Hammers are already short of creativity, and to lose a playmaker of the 28-year-old’s quality for essentially just a £5m fee as of right now would be a disaster.
The East Londoners should surely only be entertaining a sale if it allows them to quickly use the cash to secure a capable replacement.
Villa’s offer may well see their valuation met, but a later payment is no good to Potter and Co. at this moment in time.
Paqueta may have issues with his consistency, but he is comfortably one of West Ham’s biggest threats, and to lose him at this stage would be a nightmare.
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