Lucas Paquetá Seeks Exit from West Ham Amidst Transfer Speculation

Demands and Background

Reports indicate that Lucas Paquetá is eager to depart from West Ham during the upcoming January transfer window, with his asking price now officially disclosed. The Brazilian midfielder, aged 28, had initially sought a move after being exonerated of spot-fixing accusations in July, but his transfer to Aston Villa fell through.

This past summer, Manchester City showed significant interest in signing Paquetá for a fee of £85 million, but the ongoing investigation into the allegations hindered that transaction.

Current Asking Price

According to information from The Sun, West Ham is seeking £60 million for the former Lyon player. Paquetá appears determined to pursue opportunities beyond the club, which is seemingly on a trajectory toward relegation due to their poor performance this season.

During a recent 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, Paquetá engaged with fans by pretending to take a phone call, only to emphatically reject the idea, before kissing the West Ham badge, signaling his complicated feelings towards the club.

Contractual Situation and Fan Reactions

With a year remaining on his contract at the conclusion of this season, many supporters question the rationale behind the relatively modest price tag, especially given his talent and experience.

This season, Paquetá has netted only twice, contributing to West Ham’s placement at 19th in the league standings, which raises concerns about a possible relegation battle ahead. As frustrations mount, West Ham fans are organizing a protest against the club’s ownership at London Stadium this weekend, reflecting the growing discontent surrounding the team’s situation.