West Ham United could see one of their star talents depart the club, alongside the constant rumours around Lucas Paqueta.
Despite being an ever-present force in the first team since his club-record arrival in 2022, Paqueta has not played for West Ham since their 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in early January. The Brazilian asked not to play in the club's FA Cup clash with Queens Park Rangers amidst rumours of a departure from the London Stadium.
Xavi-Simons-Spurs Related
[Spurs eyeing huge Simons upgrade who's "one of the best 10s in the world"](https://www.footballfancast.com/huge-simons-upgrade-spurs-want-move-fto-sign-lucas-paqueta/ "Spurs eyeing huge Simons upgrade who's "one of the best 10s in the world"")
Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on another attacking reinforcement for Thomas Frank this January.
Though multiple clubs are interested, Paqueta appears to favour a return to Flamengo. Having already turned down a bid from the Brazilians, who won the 2025 Copa Libertadores, it has recently been reported by The Athletic that a second proposal worth over £35 million including add-ons has been turned down by West Ham.
West Ham, reportedly, want over £50 million to allow Paqueta's departure. Given there are under two weeks remaining in the January transfer window, the Hammers may feel they would struggle to replace the Brazilian, particularly given they are five points from safety in the Premier League.
It would appear, though, that the Irons may have to worry about yet another key midfield departure if they are unable to avoid dropping to the second tier of English football.
Fernandes contract clause attracts interest of Real Madrid
According to reports in Spain, as per West Ham Zone, a number of West Ham players have relegation clauses in their contracts. One such example is Mateus Fernandes, who has been one of the club's best players since his arrival. The Portuguese, who signed a contract that earns him £60,000-per-week, joined in the latest summer transfer window.
mateus Fernandes
Fernandes, reportedly, has a clause that could see him depart East London for around £20 million if the club are relegated, about half of the fee that he moved to West Ham for. This figure has seen Real Madrid garner an interest in Fernandes who, on a shortlist with options such as Rodri and Vitinha, is seen as an "attainable option" for the club in their efforts to bolster their midfield.
Multiple clubs are reportedly aware of this clause, though not many can boast the grand allure that Madrid possess. Still just 21 years old, Fernandes has exceedingly high potential. Speaking on BBC Radio Solent's Southampton podcast in March 2025, former Saints midfielder Jo Tessem said of Fernandes:
“[Fernandes] is becoming an ultimate Premier League midfielder, and clubs are not going to let that go.
“He plays like a Premier League player. He passes like a Premier League player. He is quick like a Premier League player. He conducts himself so well in midfield.”
Fernandes could prove crucial for West Ham as they aim to pull themselves out of the bottom three. Should relegation befall the club, however, it is hard to see the Portuguese remaining with the Hammers for very long.