Lucas Paqueta has hit back hard with an emphatic response to a claim from a top journalist that he’s desperate to leave West Ham United in January – but is there more to the story than meets the eye?
The Brazilian playmaker has addressed the speculation, making it clear where his loyalty lies as rumours about his future continue to swirl.
Had things worked out differently, West Ham star Lucas Paqueta could be playing for Aston Villa right now.
Given how desperately bad the Hammers have been with Paqueta in their side, it does not bear thinking about how much worse things could have been had the deal gone through in the run up to deadline day.
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano claimed at the time that it was a move the Brazilian magnifico wanted.
Paqueta West Ham exit claim reignites from top journalist
Romano was heavily criticised by West Ham fans over the story, which he had been pushing all summer.
But he insisted his information was coming from very credible sources and that Paqueta ‘liked the Villa project’.
In the end Paqueta stayed at West Ham and produced that memorable celebration to confirm he would be remaining during the 3-0 win at Forest, the club’s only victory in 10 games this season.
After scoring a penalty, Paqueta mimicked taking a phone call before hanging up and tossing the imaginary handset away, wagging his finger saying ‘no’ and then kissing the West Ham badge in front of the travelling fans at the City Ground.
However, the glee around his declaration to stay in east London was pretty short-lived as Paqueta announced this will be his last season at West Ham.
The Brazil international took to social media with an emotional statement to confirm this would be his final campaign at the London Stadium.
Since then, though, speculation has been rife that things may not even get that far.
Paqueta hits back at claim he’s desperate to leave West Ham in January
Paqueta actually still has another year left on his West Ham contract at the end of the current season and that includes an option for a further year on top.
There have long been rumours Paqueta and his family want to return to Brazil. Especially in the wake of his spot-fixing case ordeal which dragged on for two years.
The likes of Botafogo and Paqueta’s boyhood – and first – club Flamengo have been heavily linked with moves for the Brazilian magnifico.
Brazilian media outlet BolaVIP claimed earlier this month that Flamengo’s technical director Jose Boto is pushing to lure West Ham’s record £51m signing back home in January.
Paqueta’s camp responded emphatically to claims he will be leaving West Ham for Brazil in January.
Now Paqueta has hit back hard himself at a new claim from a top journalist that he is desperate to leave West Ham in January.
The Times’ Gary Jacob claims Paqueta wants to quit the Hammers as soon as the January window opens.
He also states that West Ham are open to a deal given their desperation for cash to make new signings.
Not only that but Jacob insists the Hammers were also keen to sell Paqueta to Villa before the summer deadline.
Paqueta has clearly responded directly to the new claim, though.
Paqueta uses social media to show he’s happy at West Ham
Taking to social media the 28-year-old midfielder posted a picture of him with his two sons all decked out in full West Ham kit sporting huge smiles on the London Stadium pitch.
Paqueta simply posted the image with a smiling emoji.
It doesn’t get any more emphatic than that from the horse’s mouth.
But is there more to this situation than meets the eye?
Who is briefing these journalists this information? If it was Paqueta’s camp then he would just stay silent rather than instantly dismiss the rumours – as he has now done on three separate occasions.
Perhaps West Ham’s desperation to sell is so great that the club’s board are leaking that he wants out and is available to try and attract bidders?
The truth, as they say, will out eventually.
