West Ham’s Troubling Start to the Season

West Ham has started the 2025/26 Premier League season poorly, resulting in Graham Potter’s dismissal and leaving Nuno Espirito Santo still seeking his first win since taking over. The atmosphere in East London has turned tense, as fan protests against the club’s board have included marches and a boycott of the match against Brentford.

A Call for Players to Step Up

In dire situations like this, players must rise to the occasion and show their determination to fight for the club. The real test comes when challenges arise—fans watch closely to see which players are ready to dig in and contribute consistently, and who might shy away when things get tough.

It has become evident that Lucas Paqueta, one of the squad’s most talented members, may not possess the required resolve. Despite the club supporting him amid allegations of illegal betting, there are whispers that he is seeking an exit in January.

Paqueta Lacking Commitment

As West Ham faces a relegation battle, the upcoming weeks are crucial for ensuring their survival in the Premier League. A string of wins is essential to avoid lingering at the bottom of the table, and the club cannot afford any slackers in this critical period.

Unfortunately, Paqueta appears disengaged, leading to the question of whether the club can afford to let him depart. Reports suggest a potential fee of around £60 million, which raises concerns, especially given his performance this season, marked by only three goals and no assists across all competitions.

In his time with West Ham, he has netted 17 goals (including seven penalties) and added 14 assists in 121 appearances, primarily starting.

Brazilian’s Stagnant Goal Stats

Throughout his career in the Premier League, Paqueta has never scored more than four goals in a single season. This is perplexing given his evident skills, yet it can be attributed to disappointing shot accuracy over the last two seasons (29.7% and 22.2%), with a shot conversion rate of merely 9.5% and 9.8%.

His preference seems to lean towards a more graceful style of play rather than engaging physically, landing him in a position where he often loses one-on-one duels, both on the ground and in the air.

Performance Metrics Reflect Underperformance

Paqueta’s 611 ball recoveries at the club point to potential defensive capabilities, along with winning 172 out of 261 tackles. However, the inconsistency in these contributions paints a contrasting picture. Even with a playstyle aimed at creating opportunities for teammates like Jarrod Bowen, his passing accuracy remains unimpressive for a player of his caliber, frequently posting completion percentages in the mid to upper 70s, indicating a tendency to glide through matches instead of taking charge.

With West Ham in such a precarious situation, both fans and management will justifiably expect far more from a seasoned player.

The Case for Moving Paqueta On

As the January transfer window approaches, if Paqueta is determined to pursue opportunities elsewhere, he must deliver standout performances to draw attention from other clubs. This could not only assist West Ham during this crucial time but also maximize his transfer value, creating a beneficial situation for everyone involved.

If Nuno fails to turn the team’s fortunes around by then, Paqueta’s departure becomes increasingly necessary, potentially at a reduced fee compared to his market valuation. This scenario would align with the club’s recent management patterns, reinforcing to the frustrated supporters that changes are needed both on and off the pitch.