West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta is attracting attention from Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window it seems.
Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon in August 2022 for a club-record £51 million fee and now Tottenham are sniffing around the 28-year-old for around half the price.
Both the Hammers and Spurs are expected to be busy in the January transfer window, with ins and outs reportedly highly likely at both clubs.
Interestingly, Tottenham were ready to bid for West Ham ace Paqueta back in 2024, but due to his trial for potential betting breaches being dragged out, nothing came to fruition in the end.
Is Nuno right to defend Lucas Paqueta? Or has the time come for West Ham to cut their losses?
“I’ve spoken to Lucas, and he has spoken to all of his teammates. First of all, he apologised. He’s aware of his mistake, but first and foremost, we – as a club – protect our own, and we solve things among ourselves.
“He is suffering, he is disappointed and he’s sad, but he realised he made a mistake.
“Sometimes people don’t realise the problems that football players endure, but I think Lucas is going to overcome this situation” – Nuno on Lucas Paqueta red card
Paqueta was under investigation by the FA and FIFA regarding irregular betting patterns for almost two years before he was finally cleared in 2025.
And during that time, it’s fair to say that he was nothing more than a liability for the Hammers.
His petulance during West Ham’s defeat to Liverpool at the end of November was symbolic of his time at the club over the past two years.
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However, all of that could be set to end soon, after a stunning claim was made about a potential move for the Brazilian this winter.
Stunning Lucas Paqueta to Tottenham claim made
Paqueta’s days at the London Stadium could well be numbered it seems.
Tottenham insider ‘The Boy Hotspur’ has claimed that Spurs are keen to bring Paqueta to north London in January.
It is also suggested that the Hammers could be tempted to cut ties with the former Lyon man for around £25 million.
While it’s fine to debate the veracity of the source, it’s certainly fair to argue that West Ham selling Paqueta in January would at least be a possibility.
It also wouldn’t surprise anyone if the West Ham owners were already preparing for life in the Championship, and the financial strain that brings.
However, selling Paqueta wouldn’t be a sign of surrender. In fact, it would be the exact opposite.
If Nuno Espirito Santo is to keep this West Ham team up and avoid the drop, he cannot continue to allow Paqueta to prance around like he’s playing Joga Bontino on Copacabana Beach.
West Ham need to take more of a pragmatic approach right now, with Mateus Fernandes far better suited than Paqueta to what is required.
The former Southampton man has energy and dynamism in abundance, and it’s players like him who will keep the Hammers in the Premier League, not Paqueta.
West Ham’s next move regarding Lucas Paqueta should be obvious
Sure, there is a huge rivalry between the two clubs.
However, West Ham sold Mohammed Kudus to Spurs in the summer anyway, so it’s not like the board are opposed to doing business with the north London side.
It’s time to let Paqueta leave the London Stadium.
What is YOUR favourite Lucas Paqueta moment, and why?
The majority of West Ham fans have grown tired of the Brazilian now, with some of his antics starting to cost his team dearly.
Everyone at West Ham is still thankful to the Brazilian for his through-ball to Jarrod Bowen in the Europa Conference League final in 2023.
However, that goodwill is waning quickly.
He just doesn’t influence games in the manner he should, and his carefree nature in possession is the last thing the Hammers need in the middle of the park right now.
Selling Lucas Paqueta to Tottenham should be a no-brainer for West Ham, especially if Spurs offer around £25 million like the report claims.