Ask West Ham supporters what they think about selling their biggest overseas star asset and you’ll likely get a very different response from fans now compared with back in August.
The furore that was kicked up at the start of the season when Aston Villa were reported to be making a bid to ‘steal’ Lucas Paquetá in the last days of the summer window was enough to kill the possibility of a deal: Paquetá’s mime of’ throwing away’ the phone on a Villa deal and West Ham badge-kissing was roundly celebrated then.
After Sunday’s antics the general consensus from supporter comments seems to be it is high time to cash in on the wayward, tarnished star.
Fans were happy to see Paqueta profess his desire to remain a Hammer back in august: Not so, four months later
Whilst reports suggest Paquetá may want a return to his homeland, it is unlikely that any Brazilian team can afford anything close to West Ham’s asking price.
Sportwitness.co.uk claim that his former side – and boyhood club – Flamengo are preparing the ground for January, as per their article:
“Brazilian reports say €25m-30m budget is ‘set aside’ for West Ham star”
Which is about half of his current value, even given his somewhat reduced standing at London stadium at present. There’ll be any number of suitors at £45-50 million and it seems as though Nuno Espírito Santo, David Sullivan and the vast majority of West Ham fans would welcome the the sale that would provide an injection of funds to bring a couple of fresh faces to east London in January.
Weary after years of Paquetá – based drama, it is surely time – before his value falls below the price West Ham paid for him – to move the player on and draw a line under a sorry chapter with far too few moments of magic. As somebody said in the Claret and Hugh forum, ” Paquetá’s time at West Ham has been like Paulo Di Canio’s – but without the brilliance.”
Paquetá’s frequent falling over and giving up possession far too often no longer seems a price worth paying for the increasingly rare moment of genius in what has become a luxury West Ham can ill afford in a relegation fight. He’ll likely be gone next month but to Brazil for €30 million? Not on your Nelly.
There is some merit in letting Paqueta move on if he is set on going but are we capable of reinvesting the money in someone of equal calibre. History shows we are not.
Personally I feel we should be giving more young players opportunities.
If we can get close to 30m then I’d try to spend that on Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, and play him alongside Potts and Fernandes. Would be a very hard-working and dynamic midfield 3, but I can’t imagine ‘Boro being very willing to let him go midway through a very good season.
I think his value is already below what we paid Martin. Nevertheless it’s time he went.
I think, at this point, I would take €30m and reinvest in a player who has his head on straight.